Sri Lanka kicked off their T20 World Cup 2025-26 campaign with a dominant 105-run victory over Oman at Pallekele on February 12, posting 225/5 after being invited to bat and then restricting Oman to 120/9. Pavan Rathnayake's explosive 60 off 28 balls earned Player of the Match, while Dasun Shanaka smashed 50 off 20. Maheesh Theekshana (2/11) and Dushmantha Chameera (2/19) led a disciplined bowling effort. The comprehensive win gave Sri Lanka 2 points and a strong net run rate boost in Group B.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed a breathtaking 175 with 15 sixes and 15 boundaries in the U19 World Cup final against England, powering India to 411/9 and a 100-run victory for their sixth title. His childhood coach Manish Ojha's WhatsApp message after the semi-final reminded him of his century-scoring standards in tournaments, prompting a simple "Yes sir" reply. The innings showcased maturity, acceleration after a cautious start, and record-breaking dominance, earning praise as potentially ready for senior India cricket.

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has strongly supported the PCB's boycott of the T20 World Cup 2026 match against India, challenging the ICC to impose sanctions while accusing it of bias toward India in past decisions like hybrid Asia Cup and Champions Trophy venues. He cited India's alleged disrespects in Asia Cup 2025, including refusing handshakes and trophy from PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi. Ali argued Pakistan's government-directed stance deserves equal respect, questioning double standards and warning boycotts harm talents but necessary against perceived unfairness.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is confident Pakistan will backtrack on boycotting the T20 World Cup 2026 match against India in Colombo on February 15, predicting a reversal within 4-5 days due to financial pressures from broadcasters and potential NOC denials for PSL. He criticized refusing to play a specific opponent as unacceptable, hoping better sense prevails. Ashwin warned boycotts harm young talents but noted ICC's hypocrisy in past accommodations for India. The standoff risks major losses, with ICC urging reconsideration amid governmental decisions overriding players.

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has introduced 10 significant updates to the Laws of Cricket, effective October 1, 2026, as part of 73 revisions since 2022. These changes promote inclusivity by removing gendered language, clarify ambiguities, enhance fairness, and adapt to modern play influenced by technology. Key updates cover equipment standards for women's and junior cricket, laminated bats, mandatory completion of final overs, short running penalties, boundary catches, overthrow definitions, dead ball timing, wicket-keeper positioning, hit wicket scenarios, and control standards for run-outs/stumpings. The revisions aim to balance the game, reduce loopholes, and reflect player feedback for precision and accessibility.

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal has endorsed the PCB's decision to boycott the T20 World Cup 2026 match against India, accusing the ICC of bias toward India in past events like the hybrid Asia Cup model and neutral venue demands for the Champions Trophy. He questioned the ICC's inaction on political influences in cricket and highlighted perceived disrespects during the Asia Cup 2025, including India's refusal to shake hands and accept the trophy from PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi. Akmal argued the PCB's stance should be respected similarly to India's past decisions, warning that boycotts harm young talents but criticizing ICC hypocrisy. The controversy risks major financial losses and long-term damage to Pakistan cricket.

India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav stated that the team's preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup remain unaffected by Pakistan's threat to boycott their group-stage match on February 15 in Colombo. He emphasized India's commitment to travel and play as scheduled, noting Pakistan's decision is governmental. Yadav clarified India has not refused to play, with flights booked and fixtures set. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha confirmed such decisions are beyond players' control. The ICC awaits formal communication but warns of serious consequences. Both teams are in Group A with Namibia, Netherlands, and USA.

Bangladesh's Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul publicly thanked Pakistan after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced his country's boycott of the T20 World Cup 2026 match against India in support of Dhaka's exclusion from the tournament. The move highlights a growing political nexus in cricket, with both nations aligning against India amid strained relations post-Sheikh Hasina's ouster. Ties have strengthened through resumed flights, trade surges, military cooperation, and cultural exchanges. The ICC faces challenges as politics overshadow the sport, exposing how bilateral tensions influence international events.

Indian ultra-runner Sufiya Sufi has earned a Guinness World Record as the fastest woman to complete the grueling 480km Manali-to-Leh run, finishing in 98 hours and 27 minutes. The challenging route crosses five high-altitude Himalayan passes with over 8,500m elevation gain and sub-zero conditions. A former cabin crew member from Ajmer, Sufiya adds this to her previous records, including Kashmir-to-Kanyakumari and the Golden Quadrilateral runs. The certificate arrived in early 2026 after delays, highlighting her endurance and determination in one of the world's toughest terrains.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir declined to comment on Pakistan's refusal to play against India in the T20 World Cup 2026, ignoring reporters' questions at the airport en route to Mumbai for warm-up matches. The Pakistani government's decision bars the team from the February 15 Colombo fixture despite overall tournament participation, sparking debate over sporting and financial implications. ICC awaits official PCB communication but warns of serious consequences if the match is skipped. India and Pakistan share a group with Namibia, Netherlands, and USA. Gambhir thanked media for well-wishes and focused on team preparations, reflecting India's on-field priority amid the controversy.