Pramod Madushan replaces injured Eshan Malinga in Sri Lanka T20 World Cup squad
Sri Lanka confirmed that Malinga has been ruled out of the tournament due to a shoulder injury sustained during the recent T20I series against England. The injury was reported to have occurred while bowling, forcing the pacer out of contention for the World Cup.
The ICC Event Technical Committee approved the inclusion of Pramod Madushan as his replacement in the squad. Madushan, a medium-fast bowler, has featured in eight T20Is and 13 ODIs for Sri Lanka, claiming 12 wickets in the T20 format.
Sri Lanka are scheduled to begin their campaign against Ireland on February 8 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The hosts are placed in Group B alongside Australia, Oman and Zimbabwe.
The late squad change presents a setback for Sri Lanka’s pace attack, with Madushan now expected to provide depth and experience heading into the tournament opener.
England skip final training session ahead of T20 World Cup opener
England decided against travelling to a distant training ground ahead of their clash with Nepal, instead remaining at their hotel to avoid the heat and long commute. The move was aimed at prioritising recovery and maintaining energy levels before the tournament begins.
The decision follows England’s previous struggles in extreme heat during the 2023 ODI World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium, where conditions proved challenging. Team management reportedly viewed rest and controlled preparation as more beneficial than an additional practice session.
All-rounder Will Jacks emphasised squad unity and mental preparation as key elements in the team’s build-up, suggesting that staying fresh would be important heading into the fixture.
Meanwhile, Nepal completed their scheduled training session and are expected to have strong local support in Mumbai. Critics have suggested that skipping practice could carry risks if conditions on match day prove demanding.
England begin their campaign against Nepal as they look to make a strong start in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
New tactics and spin focus set to shape 2026 T20 World Cup
In recent bilateral series played in India and Sri Lanka, several sides have increasingly used left-right batting combinations in the top order to disrupt bowling plans, a trend that is likely to continue during the World Cup on similar surfaces.
Spin bowling is also set to play a decisive role through the middle overs, with teams favouring dual-spinner combinations to control scoring rates rather than relying solely on pace. Captains have frequently turned to spin inside the powerplay on slower pitches, reflecting a shift in early-innings tactics.
Another emerging theme has been the adjustment of batting roles based on match situations, with teams opting for aggressive scoring phases instead of fixed batting positions throughout an innings.
As the tournament approaches, these tactical developments are expected to influence squad selection and in-game decisions, particularly for teams preparing to play a majority of their matches in subcontinental conditions.
India start T20 World Cup as favourites, England build momentum
India have established themselves as one of the leading sides in T20 cricket, built around aggressive top-order batting and consistent scoring in the early overs. Abhishek Sharma has been among the notable performers in recent matches, while Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan continue to provide quick runs through the middle phase.
England arrive with growing confidence after a recent 3–0 T20 series sweep over Sri Lanka, where disciplined spin bowling and all-round contributions played a key role in controlling games on slower surfaces.
For England, adaptability is expected to be an important factor, with squad selections reflecting a greater emphasis on spin options and flexible batting combinations suited to subcontinental conditions.
The group stage presents contrasting paths for both sides. England are drawn in Group C alongside West Indies, Nepal, Scotland and Italy, while India begin their campaign in Group A with a high-profile opening match against the United States in Mumbai.
India will look to make full use of home conditions, while England aim to convert recent momentum into consistent results as the tournament progresses.
Glenn Maxwell ruled out due to wrist inury, Josh Philippe called up
Glenn Maxwell, Australia’s all-rounder, was ruled out of the Twenty20 International (T20I) series against New Zealand as he suffered a severe wrist injury. He fractured his right wrist after being hit by a Mitchell Owen straight drive while bowling in Mount Maunganui.
He has been sent home and will meet a medical specialist for further investigation and treatment. The team’s medical staff believe he could recover quickly, but there are doubts about his place in the five-match series against India in October.
To fill the gap, Sydney Sixers wicketkeeper-batter Josh Philippe has been called up. While not a direct replacement for Maxwell, his inclusion ensures backup for Alex Carey, the only other keeper in the squad.
Maxwell’s fractured wrist deepens Australia’s injury woes. His absence, along with that of several other stars, forces Australia to reshuffle its plans just months before the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Injury setback: Litton Das to miss BAN T20I match vs AFG
Bangladesh will face Afghanistan without skipper Litton Das, who has been ruled out of the T20Is tour due to an injury. Scans showed a Grade 1 strain in his left abdominal muscle, which he picked up during the Asia Cup.
Das already missed the team’s last two matches in that event, and doctors have now advised rest. ‘I think he will need at least three weeks to recover, so chances are slim of seeing him during the series,’ a Bangladesh team official shared. His absence is a big blow for the Tigers, as he is both the captain and a key batter at the top of the order.
With Das on the sideline, wicketkeeper Jaker Ali will step in as the captain for the series. He’s also the one who took charge in the Asia Cup, and now has another chance to guide the Tigers.
The three-match T20Is vs Afghanistan begin on Thursday, October 2, in Sharjah, UAE.
Pakistan beats Bangladesh by 11 runs, sets up India final
Pakistan pulled off a stunning comeback in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. They beat Bangladesh by 11 runs. The win sets up a tense final with India on Sunday, September 28.
Bangladesh won the toss and chose to field. They struck fast, and Pakistan lost five wickets for 49 runs. Taskin Ahmed led the attack, taking three key wickets and keeping Pakistan under pressure in the first 10 overs.
Pakistan bounced back with strong lower-order hits. Mohammad Haris scored 31, Mohammad Nawaz 25, and Shaheen Afridi 19. This pushed the total score to 135 for 8 in 20 overs.
Bangladesh looked set for victory but faltered under pressure. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf never let them settle, making tight bowls and crucial wickets. In the end, Bangladesh finished 124 for 9, short of 11 runs. Pakistan’s win books a final against India, setting up a fierce clash.
ICC suspends USA Cricket's membership after rule breaches
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended USA Cricket’s membership with immediate effect. This follows years of the latter’s ‘repeated and continued breaches of its obligations as [an] ICC Member.’ The decision came on Tuesday, September 23, with the ICC saying the body failed to meet key standards.
The main issues include weak governance, loss of trust, and the lack of recognition from the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee. The ICC stressed that these failures hurt the sport’s image and had to be addressed.
US teams stay on track
Despite the suspension, US national teams can still play in ICC events. The organisation didn’t stop them from playing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Players and fans will see no change in the teams’ path to major events.
To guide reforms, the ICC will set up a Normalisation Committee to manage US cricket during this period. This group will oversee day-to-day work and ensure the body is ready for its suspension to be lifted and membership to be restored.
Pakistan edge Sri Lanka in Super Four thriller at Abu Dhabi
Pakistan scraped past Sri Lanka by five wickets in a tense Super Four clash at Abu Dhabi on September 23. Choosing to bowl first, they held Sri Lanka to 133/8. Shaheen Shah Afridi led the charge, taking 3/28. Sri Lanka began well, posting 53 in the powerplay. However, they lost three key wickets early, which slowed their push.
Kamindu Mendis tried to steady the innings with 50, but wickets fell at a steady clip. Asalanka and Shanaka fell in back-to-back deliveries, stopping any late surge. Shaheen trapped Mendis in the penultimate over, ending Sri Lanka’s chance of a strong finish.
Chasing 134, Pakistan began well but fell to 80/5. They lost four wickets in 17 balls. A 58-run stand between Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz steadied the chase. That shifted the target from 26 off 24 balls to just 14 off 18, before Nawaz’s three sixes sealed the chase with two overs left. This helped Pakistan reach the target with two overs to spare.
The win keeps Pakistan in the race for the Asia Cup final. Sri Lanka now faces a difficult path after two Super Four losses. India and Bangladesh, both unbeaten, clash in Dubai on September 24. The top two teams will meet in Sunday’s final.
Imran Khan lashes out at cricket board after back-to-back losses
Jailed former Prime Minister and ex-cricketer Imran Khan lashes out at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after the team lost twice to India in the Asia Cup. He said Pakistan had little chance to win with the board running the way it is.
Khan mocked the management, saying the only way to beat India was if PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Army Chief General Asim Munir walked out as openers, with top judges and election chiefs as umpires. His sister Aleema Khan said he made the joke after she told him about the defeats.
The 1992 World Cup-winning captain blamed Naqvi for the fall of Pakistan cricket. He pointed to weak leadership and favouritism as the main reasons. He also claimed that General Munir meddled in the 2024 elections, affecting his party’s win.
His words show his anger at the state of Pakistan cricket and the wider political dispute.
