Tuesday, May 05
In a statement, the AIFF said the Emergency Committee met on January 3 to consider and acknowledge the report submitted by the AIFF-ISL Coordination Committee. The Coordination Committee was set up on December 20, 2025, following discussions during the AIFF Executive Committee meeting and the subsequent Annual General Meeting.
Allah Ghazanfar’s three-wicket haul restricted Abu Dhabi Knight Riders to 120/8 before Shakib Al Hasan and Tom Banton powered MI Emirates into the ILT20 Season 4 final with a seven-wicket win in Qualifier 2. Their match-winning 82-run stand set up a final clash against the Desert Vipers in Dubai on January 4.
The Desert Vipers have reached the ILT20 final twice and tasted defeat both times. On Sunday, when they face the MI Emirates at the Dubai International Stadium, the Sam Curran-led unit hope the outcome would be different. MI Emirates, meanwhile, captained by Kieron Pollard, acknowledged they go in as the 'underdogs.'
It may be recalled that the BCCI had cancelled its previous tour of Bangladesh this year following rising diplomatic tension between the two nations. BCCI representatives also declined to travel to Dhaka for Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meetings.
The BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from IPL 2026, a decision limited only to the tournament. Indian cricket board chief Mithun Manhas confirmed no decision has been taken yet on Bangladesh’s matches in the 2026 T20 World Cup in India. The move follows criticism and concerns linked to recent developments in Bangladesh.
Shreyas Iyer has been included in the squad and named vice-captain. However, his availability is "subject to fitness clearance from BCCI COE," the board said in a release.
Hardik Pandya has been left out of India’s ODI plans as he has not been cleared by the BCCI to bowl a full 10-over spell. With the T20 World Cup approaching, his workload is being carefully managed to avoid injury. Despite missing ODIs, Pandya remains in strong batting form, highlighted by a brilliant 133 for Baroda in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Shubman Gill’s Vijay Hazare Trophy match for Punjab against Sikkim will be played behind closed doors, similar to recent games involving Virat Kohli. As per BCCI guidelines, no spectators or live broadcast will be allowed due to security concerns and lack of seating at the Jaipuria College ground. Gill and Arshdeep Singh will also play Punjab’s next match against Goa on January 6.
