India is in the 2026 T20 World Cup final. The PCB has denied a shocking report suggesting a Pakistani cricketer ‘misbehaved’ with a female hotel staff member. There won’t be any captaincy or coach changes, but selectors have been added by the PCB. Sanju Samson and Jacob Bethell shone bright. Jasprit Bumrah stood apart, but Varun Chakaravarthy’s form continues to cause worry. Lastly, the BCCI has been accused of institutional doping.
Bethell vs Samson in Mumbai
India scrapped a 7-run victory despite posting 253 on the board. Sanju Samson led the way for the hosts in Mumbai, scoring 89 from 42. But Samson’s exceptional knock was one-upped by Jacob Bethell. The 22-year-old smashed a 45-ball hundred, the second fastest in the T20 World Cup. If not for him, England would’ve lost by plenty. However, his efforts weren’t enough in the end.
Serious allegations against Pakistani cricketer
The PCB has categorically denied reports suggesting that Pakistani cricketer Salman Mirza misbehaved with a female worker at the Golden Crown Hotel, where Pakistan were staying before their last match at the T20 World Cup. The report further suggested that team manager Naveed Cheema resolved the matter in Kandy.
Bumrah, real ‘player of the match’
In a match where 499 runs were scored, Jasprit Bumrah went for just 33 runs in 4 overs. He went for just 14 in his last 12 balls (16th and 18th overs). Although Samson got the ‘player of the match’, he hailed Bumrah as a once-in-a-generation player and credited him for India’s victory.
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Worry over Varun
Varun Chakaravarthy’s form is a major concern for India going into the T20 World Cup final. The mystery spinner went for 64 runs in the semifinal against England, the most expensive figures in a knockout match. He did a wicket, but Jacob Bethell absolutely annihilated him, smashing 43 runs from just 13 balls.
BCCI promotes doping?
Ahmed Shehzad has claimed that the BCCI flouts the doping protocol. The former Pakistan cricketer alleged that the ICC doesn’t conduct doping tests for Indian cricketers. Instead, the BCCI tests the players themselves, which allows it to game the system. Is what Shehzad alleges true? Read about it in depth here.
PCB makes changes after T20 World Cup
Contrary to reports suggesting Pakistan will sack Salman Ali Agha as T20I captain, he’s expected to continue. Mike Hesson, with whom players weren’t pleased, as per reports, will stay put as well after the T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, PCB has added two former Pakistan captains, Misbah-ul-Haq and Sarfaraz Ahmed, to the selection committee.
Cricket
India make it to 2nd consecutive T20 World Cup final with 7 wins from 8 games, 3rd trophy in sight
