Legendary cricketer Kapil Dev has strongly opposed Pakistan's decision to boycott their T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage match against India on February 15 in Colombo, arguing it damages Pakistan's reputation and unfairly hurts their players. In an NDTV interview, the 1983 World Cup-winning captain warned that board-imposed boycotts kill emerging talent and the game itself, noting that while emotions run high initially, "in the long run, no one will miss them." The boycott follows political tensions and ICC's rejection of similar requests from Bangladesh. ICC has urged PCB to reconsider, highlighting potential long-term harm to cricket. Under rules, India could claim points if Pakistan skips the toss, with financial losses up to Rs 250 crore for broadcasters.

Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu dominated the women's 48kg category at the 2026 National Weightlifting Championships in Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, shattering three national records with an 89kg snatch, 116kg clean and jerk, and 205kg total. The 31-year-old outperformed her nearest rival by 22kg, equaling her personal best total from 2021 while improving on her 2025 World Championships performance by 6kg. Competing in the restructured 48kg class after Olympic weight changes, her display signals strong form ahead of international events. The championships featured nearly 790 athletes from across India, underscoring the depth of domestic talent.

India has officially joined five other nations in bidding to host the AFC Asian Cup 2031, with strong backing from the central government. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) submitted its Expression of Interest last year, marking a renewed push after withdrawing from previous bids for 2023 and 2027 editions. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized that hosting such events would elevate India's global sporting profile, aligning with ambitions to bid for the 2036 Olympics. Competing bidders include Australia, Indonesia, South Korea, Kuwait, and a joint proposal from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The UAE has withdrawn its interest. This development signals India's strategic focus on infrastructure and international football visibility.

Leaders across parties congratulated India's U19 team for clinching a record sixth ICC Men's U19 World Cup title with a 100-run win over England in Harare. PM Narendra Modi hailed the "shining" talent and inspiration for young sportspersons. Rahul Gandhi praised Gen Z composure and fearlessness. Amit Shah celebrated the "blazing performance" motivating youth. MK Stalin lauded talent and temperament, spotlighting Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Arvind Kejriwal noted strong future hands, while S Jaishankar called them "champions of tomorrow." The victory underscores India's youth cricket dominance.

India Under-19 team dominated England in the 2026 ICC U19 World Cup final at Harare Sports Club, posting 411/9 powered by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's brilliant 175, before bowling out England for 311 to win by 100 runs. This marks India's record-extending sixth title, adding to victories in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, and 2022. The comprehensive performance showcased exceptional batting depth and bowling discipline, overwhelming England throughout the chase. Celebrations erupted as young stars delivered under pressure in a high-scoring thriller.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru chased down 203 to beat Delhi Capitals by 6 wickets in WPL 2026 final, securing their second title. Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll's 165-run stand in 92 balls set records as DC faltered again in finals. Jemimah Rodrigues' 57 and Chinelle Henry's 35 powered DC to 203/4, but RCB's dominance sealed the win.

India U19 secured a commanding 58-run victory over Pakistan U19 in the Super Six stage of the 2026 Under-19 World Cup at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, qualifying for the semi-finals as Group 2 toppers. Batting first, India posted 252 all out, recovering from 47/3 through Vedant Trivedi's composed 68 and contributions from RS Ambrish (29) and Kanishk Chouhan (35). Pakistan's Abdul Subhan took 3/33. Chasing 253, Pakistan managed 194 all out despite Usman Khan's 66 and Hamza Zahoor's 42, collapsing after 88/2 as Ayush Mhatre (3/21) and Khilan Patel (3/35) starred with the ball. India will face Afghanistan in the second semi-final on February 4 at Harare Sports Club. The win highlights India's strong campaign and depth.

Pakistan captain Salman Agha reacted to government directives to boycott the T20 World Cup group-stage match against India, stating the team will attend the tournament but follow instructions to skip the clash. The decision, confirmed February 1, 2026, follows tensions and ICC replacement of Bangladesh with Scotland after Dhaka's refusal. The India match is scheduled February 15 in Colombo. Potential ICC sanctions loom, including NoC restrictions for PSL or loss of hosting rights. Agha emphasized compliance with government and PCB chairman.

The ICC expressed serious concerns over Pakistan's government directive to boycott the T20 World Cup group-stage match against India on February 15, 2026, in Colombo, calling selective participation contrary to global sporting principles. Awaiting formal PCB communication, the ICC noted difficulty reconciling the move. No details on sanctions, replacements, or forfeit rules yet. The decision follows tensions, with Pakistan attending the tournament but skipping the fixture. This highlights ongoing Indo-Pak cricket diplomacy challenges amid the multi-nation event.

Pakistan captain Salman Agha reacted to government directives to boycott the T20 World Cup group-stage match against India, stating the team will attend the tournament but follow instructions to skip the clash. The decision, confirmed February 1, 2026, follows tensions and ICC replacement of Bangladesh with Scotland after Dhaka's refusal. The India match is scheduled February 15 in Colombo. Potential ICC sanctions loom, including NoC restrictions for PSL or loss of hosting rights. Agha emphasized compliance with government and PCB chairman.