BCCI is facing logistical issues. Australia’s early T20 World Cup could have serious ramifications. The Super 8 stage is set. The ICC has confirmed 12 teams for the 2028 event. A Sri Lankan fast bowler has been ruled out of the tournament. Lastly, have the Indian selectors forgotten a veteran?
BCCI forced to delay IPL schedule
The reason why BCCI hasn’t announced the schedule for IPL 2026 is due to the uncertainty surrounding the Rajasthan Royals’ home venue. The Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur underwent an audit and wasn’t provided a safety clearance. However, the Rajasthan State Sports Council has dismissed most of RR’s concerns and insists that the venue requires minor repair works.
Shami forgotten?
Mohammed Shami’s coach, Badaruddin Siddiqui, feels the selectors have forgotten about his protégé. The pacer hasn’t played for India since March 2025, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar stating that Shami’s fitness wasn’t up to the standards of international cricket. After Shami took an 8-wicket haul against Jammu & Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy semifinal, Badaruddin feels his protégé doesn’t have any fitness concerns.
Australia’s LA dream over?
After Australia was eliminated from the group stage of the T20 World Cup, they could miss out on the LA Olympics berth. The ICC is expected to select one team from each continent based on ranking for the 6-team event. After Australia’s early exit, New Zealand might trump them from Oceania.
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Pathirana out with injury
Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup after sustaining a muscle strain in his left leg. Sri Lanka has announced Dilshan Madushanka as his replacement. Pathirana is expected to be out for at least 3 weeks, but given his injury history, it might be more, casting doubt over his IPL 2026 participation.
Super 8 schedule
Pakistan claimed a 102-run victory over Namibia in Colombo to qualify for the Super 8. With this, the entire schedule for the next stage of the T20 World Cup is confirmed. After the Zimbabwe vs Ireland match was washed out, the Group 1 fixtures were already set.
Bangladesh confirmed for 2028 T20 World Cup
ICC has confirmed that 12 teams have received direct qualifications for the 2028 T20 World Cup. This includes the hosts, Australia and New Zealand, the top seven teams from the current edition of the tournament, and the next three highest-ranked teams in ICC rankings.
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'Bangladesh players wanted to play T20 World Cup in India': How cricketers were thrown under the bus
