Australia has some positive news, and Pakistan has some negative news about the T20 World Cup 2026. In the Test arena, Brendon McCullum’s job might be in danger. Shubman Gill has received some advice to improve his captaincy. Have selectors treated Sarfaraz Khan harshly? And is ODI cricket dying?
Future of ODI cricket
Ravichandran Ashwin fears for the future of ODI cricket. The former Indian cricketer isn’t certain that the 50-over format can sustain itself once Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retire. Ashwin has suggested stopping all bilateral cricket and keeping the format for just the ODI World Cup, much like the FIFA World Cup.
Australia’s T20 World Cup squad
Australia have announced their squad for the T20 World Cup. Mitchell Marsh continues as captain, with Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David included despite injury concerns. Australia have picked just one frontline wicketkeeper, Josh Inglis, and two specialist spinners in Adam Zampa and Matt Kuhnemann.
Sarfaraz Khan hard done by
Former chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar can’t understand why Sarfaraz Khan isn’t in Team India’s scheme of things in any format. Sarfaraz has scored 1 hundred and 3 half-centuries in 6 Test matches. But hasn’t played for India since 2024. Vengsarkar labelled Sarfaraz’s constant omission as a ‘real shame’.
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Shaheen Afridi out of T20 World Cup?
Shaheen Afridi could very well be out of the T20 World Cup. Earlier in the week, the Pakistan fast bowler had sustained a knee injury while playing the BBL for the Brisbane Heat. Shaheen has flown back to Pakistan and will commence his rehab soon in Lahore.
Gill gets Test advice
Robin Uthappa thinks Shubman Gill hasn’t done justice to Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav as India’s Test captain. The former wicketkeeper reckons that Gill underrates Washington and doesn’t bowl him enough. For both to develop in red-ball cricket, Uthappa thinks Gill has to bowl them for at least 20-25 overs a match at home.
ECB to sack Brendon McCullum?
ECB chief executive Richard Gould and chairman Richard Thompson will travel to Australia before the final Ashes 2025-26 Test to discuss Brendon McCullum’s future as England’s head coach. Despite a heavy defeat to Australia, the Kiwi might continue with the T20 World Cup around the corner. But a few support staff changes are expected.
