IPL 2026: KKR release Mustafizur Rahman after BCCI ruling

IANS | January 3, 2026 1:31 PM

New Delhi, Jan 3 (IANS) The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have confirmed that Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has been released from their Indian Premier League (IPL) squad following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to do so. The call was taken amid excessive controversy and debate surrounding the player’s participation in the cash-rich event.

Defending champions Anish Thapa and Nirmaben Thakor to lead Indian contingent at Mumbai Marathon

IANS | January 3, 2026 12:59 PM

Mumbai, Jan 3 (IANS) The 21st Mumbai Marathon, a World Athletics gold label event, will feature a vibrant blend of experienced champions and rising stars, highlighting the depth and strength of Indian distance running nationwide. Attention will be on defending champions Anish Thapa and Nirmaben Thakor as they aim to reclaim their titles at Asia’s premier marathon on January 18.

Azizul Hakim to lead Bangladesh squad for U19 World Cup 2026

IANS | January 3, 2026 12:45 PM

Dhaka, Jan 3 (IANS) The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Saturday named Azizul Hakim as captain of a strong squad for the upcoming ICC Men's Under-19 World Cup, to be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia, with Zawad Abrar appointed as his deputy.

Gerhard Erasmus to lead Namibia's squad for T20 World Cup 2026

IANS | January 3, 2026 12:33 PM

Dubai, Jan 3 (IANS) All-rounder Gerhard Erasmus will lead Namibia's quest for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. This will be the African nation's fourth consecutive appearance in the tournament. Namibia are drawn in Group A alongside India, Pakistan and the USA.

India helped Bangladesh gain independence, says Madan Lal on violence against Hindus

IANS | January 3, 2026 12:32 PM

New Delhi, Jan 3 (IANS) Former India cricketer Madan Lal has backed the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to ask IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh cricketer Mustafizur Rahman and said that the officials understand the situation well and must have taken the right call after following ‘thorough consultation.’

Cummins, Hazlewood to miss Pakistan series but hopeful for T20 WC: Bailey

IANS | January 3, 2026 11:46 AM

Sydney, Jan 3 (IANS) Australia chairman of selectors, George Bailey, expressed confidence that Hazlewood and Tim David would be ready in time for the World Cup and remained hopeful that a scan for Pat Cummins scheduled for the end of January would bring encouraging news after his Ashes workload.

BCCI has instructed KKR to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman: Devajit Saikia

IANS | January 3, 2026 11:34 AM

New Delhi, Jan 3 (IANS) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia said that the board has formally asked Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pace spearhead Mustafizur Rahman from their squad ahead of the IPL 2026 season, ending weeks of controversy surrounding the high-profile signing.