Cricket News Live: BCCI to make central contract changes; Tilak Varma coming soon

A great diving catch by Lachlan Shaw as Mitchell picks up Mitchell! The Perth Scorchers are now banking on Finn Allen and Josh Inglis to come good in Qualifier. Winner of this match goes straight to play the final on January 25. 

Mitch Starc 🆚 Mitch Marsh

The Australian T20 captain is GONE! #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/sjHLtAMMMb

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 20, 2026

3️⃣ ✖️ Asia Cup 🥇
2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣3️⃣ Emerging Asia Cup 🥇
2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣ T20 World Cup 🥇
2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ Champions Trophy 🥇

Here's wishing a very Happy 3️⃣1️⃣st birthday to the talented Indian all-rounder, Axar Patel 🎂🎉🏏#AxarPatel #IndianCricket #HappyBirthday #Insidesport #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/gG1F8RMnbD

— InsideSport (@InsideSportIND) January 20, 2026

The BBL 15 Qualifier is almost upon us, as the Sydney Sixers' star-studded team has opted to bowl first at the Perth Stadium against the Scorchers. Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc are the main attraction, while Mitchell Marsh and Finn Allen would hold key for the record champions. 

India's No. 3 batter in T20Is, Tilak Varma is set to make his comeback after undergoing abdominal surgery. He was replaced by Shreyas Iyer for the first 3 T20Is but Tilak's progressing well. He will reach BCCI CoE today for assessment. 

Another special hype-up video by BCCI as they take their video production game to another level. This time, during India's practice in Nagpur before the first T20I against New Zealand, Hardik Pandya was seen hitting a ball to the second tier. Shivam Dube also blew some hits, and so did Rinku Singh. 

Sound On 🔊

Dialling up the intensity as #TeamIndia steps into T20I mode to take on New Zealand ⚡️ #INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/RSE2DXLFXA

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 20, 2026

Star India player Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant were seen during an ad event. They clicked photos together and with the company representatives. Both Jadeja and Pant don't have any international commitments coming up and are likely to play some domestic cricket before the IPL 2026. 

Rishabh Pant ✖️ Ravindra Jadeja

The new Jolly Polly in town 🌟#RishabhPant #RavindraJadeja #IndianCricket #Insidesport #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/0PxIRFUH5u

— InsideSport (@InsideSportIND) January 20, 2026

In what has come as a huge news, the BCCI is planning to abolish the 'A+' central contracts altogether. This also means both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be downgraded to B and not A, since both are playing just one format (ODI) of the game. 

Ishan Kishan is happy to be back with the Indian squad for the T20I series against New Zealand ✨🏏 #IshanKishan #IndianCricket #INDvsNZ #Insidesport #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/wGBjTieeAP

— InsideSport (@InsideSportIND) January 20, 2026

A repeat of WPL 2023 and 2025 finals today as the Mumbai Indians take on the Delhi Capitals. Both teams desperately need a win to go ahead in the tournament. With the star power on display, it would be a cracker of a contest. MI won the first fixture earlier in the tournament.  

Round 2️⃣ of last year's finalists! 🤜🏻🤛🏻

With both teams seeking much-needed wins, who amongst Delhi or Mumbai will get through at Vadodara? 👀

#TATAWPL 👉 #DCvMI | TUE, 20th JAN, 6:30 PM, LIVE on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/sRbLEGJmvl

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 20, 2026

Ever since Haris Rauf delivered an awful performance against India at the Asia Cup 2025 final, Pakistan coach Mike Hesson has been against his inclusion in the T20I side. Now, reports emerge that he has been omitted from Pakistan's probable T20 World Cup 2026 side. It would be a huge news for Pakistan Cricket, who always rely on experienced players in big tournaments.

A day after Donnovan Ferreira was reportedly ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026, more bad news has come for South Africa. David Miller, the veteran who adds experience for the Proteas, has sustained a groin injury during SA20 2026. He didn't bat against JSK yesterday and now faces a race against time to get fit for the T20 World Cup 2026.

In a major development, Indian captain Shubman Gill is set to represent Punjab in the upcoming second leg of the Ranji Trophy, which starts on January 22. He has opted against taking rest after a humiliating ODI series loss to New Zealand. This will be Gill's first FC match since his neck injury that he sustained against South Africa in Kolkata.

Punjab take on Saurashtra, who will be influenced by the presence of Ravindra Jadeja as well. Mohammed Siraj, meanwhile, will lead Hyderabad too.

In a latest update, New Zealand have added debutant Kristian Clarke to their T20I squad for the first three matches against India. Clarke made his international debut in the ODIs, where he took 7 wickets, which includes two dismissals each of Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer. He also sent back Rohit Sharma and Nitish Kumar Reddy in one game. Certainly a bright prospect for the Kiwis. 

New Zealand's Updated squad for IND T20Is

Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi, Kristian Clarke (first 3 games).

Catch more details below.