Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Daily Briefing
📰 Gestify

Latest in Cricket

DC look to tame Giants when it matters most
CricketWplT20

DC look to tame Giants when it matters most

Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants face off in the Women's Premier League (WPL) Eliminator in Vadodara. The Capitals are seeking revenge after losing twice to the Giants during the league stage. Gujarat reached the knockout stage as the second-best team, while DC qualified on the final day. The match will be held at the BCA Stadium, where spinners are expected to play a major role. Both teams are likely to field unchanged lineups following recent successes. DC relies on a balanced contribution across their roster, whereas Gujarat depends heavily on key individuals like Sophie Devine. The winner will progress to the tournament final to face the top-seeded team. Captains Ashleigh Gardner and Jemimah Rodrigues will lead their respective sides in this high-stakes encounter. The toss may lead teams to choose batting first on the slow Kotambi surface.

February 3, 2026•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
Read Full Article →
BCB receives investigation report on sexual misconduct allegation
CricketBcbBangladesh

BCB receives investigation report on sexual misconduct allegation

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has received an investigation report concerning sexual misconduct allegations in women's cricket. Former national captain Jahanara Alam raised the allegations against a team management member. A five-member inquiry committee, including legal experts and BCB directors, conducted the probe. The High Court had recently questioned the BCB's perceived inaction regarding the complaint. The court issued a rule asking why the board's silence should not be declared illegal. The committee faced several deadline extensions before finally submitting the findings on Monday. Legal representatives stressed the importance of transparency to prevent future victims from fearing to come forward. The BCB is now required to inform the court about steps taken following the investigation. This case highlights issues of accountability and safety within Bangladeshi sports institutions.

February 3, 2026•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
Read Full Article →
Namibia ride a wave of belief into Asia
CricketT20Worldcup

Namibia ride a wave of belief into Asia

Namibian cricket is entering the 2026 T20 World Cup with significant momentum and recent local successes. The nation recently hosted the U19 World Cup and built a world-class ground where they defeated South Africa. The squad, captained by Gerhard Erasmus, features nine returning players from the 2024 tournament. Namibia qualified by finishing as runners-up in the Africa region qualifiers held in Zimbabwe. Known for a gritty playing style, they have won nine of their last twelve T20Is. The team will benefit from the guidance of high-profile consultant Gary Kirsten during the event. Their schedule involves playing in India and Sri Lanka, including matches against powerhouses like India. A successful tournament for the associate nation would involve reaching the Super Eight stage. They face a potential "banana peel" fixture against the USA in Chennai.

February 3, 2026•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
Read Full Article →
T20 World Cup warm-up: Jagadeesan slams 55-ball 104; AFG start with win
CricketT20Worldcup

T20 World Cup warm-up: Jagadeesan slams 55-ball 104; AFG start with win

Narayan Jagadeesan scored a brilliant 104 off 55 balls to lead India A to a 38-run warm-up win over the USA. India A posted a massive 238/3, supported by half-centuries from Ayush Badoni and quick cameos from Tilak Varma. Despite a spirited chase from the USA led by Andries Gous, they were bowled out for 200. In another warm-up match, Afghanistan defeated Scotland by 61 runs in Bengaluru. Darwish Rasooli starred with 84 runs before Azamatullah Omarzai took three wickets to derail the Scottish chase. Italy also secured a narrow 10-run victory against Canada after a disciplined death-bowling performance. Canada was well-placed at 100/2 but failed to reach the target of 157. These matches serve as critical preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Key performers like Ravi Bishnoi and Mohammad Nabi showed strong form ahead of the tournament.

February 3, 2026•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
Read Full Article →
Kamindu Mendis makes World Cup squad; Dhananjaya de Silva left out
CricketT20Worldcup

Kamindu Mendis makes World Cup squad; Dhananjaya de Silva left out

Sri Lanka has announced their 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, starting February 8. Kamindu Mendis returns to the squad after being omitted from the England series, replacing Dhananjaya de Silva. Mendis earned his spot despite modest T20I statistics, supported by a recent first-class century. Dhananjaya de Silva was dropped following a string of poor scores in recent matches. Seamer Pramod Madushan was also excluded from the final selection. The squad, led by Dasun Shanaka, remains largely consistent with the group that faced England. Pavan Rathnayake kept his place after a strong ODI performance. Sri Lanka opens their campaign against Ireland in Colombo. The pace attack features Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga, and Dushmantha Chameera.

February 3, 2026•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
Read Full Article →
No ICC Board meeting so far; no progress on Pakistan's threat
CricketIccPcb

No ICC Board meeting so far; no progress on Pakistan's threat

Uncertainty persists regarding Pakistan's threat to boycott the T20 World Cup match against India in Colombo. Despite social media statements from the Pakistan government, the ICC has not received official communication from the PCB. There have been no scheduled ICC Board meetings to discuss the matter as of Monday. The ICC maintains a firm stance against "selective participation," emphasizing the integrity of global events. Directors suggest that the PCB may eventually participate, citing similar past threats during the Asia Cup. The match is scheduled for February 15, leaving two weeks for a resolution. The ICC believes all qualified teams must compete on equal terms per the pre-set schedule. Currently, the status quo remains with no progress on the boycott threat. The situation continues to overshadow the lead-up to the marquee tournament fixture.

February 3, 2026•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
Read Full Article →
Hazlewood to link up late with Australia's T20 World Cup squad in Sri Lanka
CricketT20Worldcup

Hazlewood to link up late with Australia's T20 World Cup squad in Sri Lanka

Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will delay his arrival in Sri Lanka for the T20 World Cup. He is currently in Sydney recovering from an Achilles injury and will continue rehabilitation in a familiar environment. Selector Tony Dodemaide stated that staying home is the most beneficial path for Hazlewood's recovery. Consequently, Hazlewood's availability for Australia's opening match against Ireland on February 11 is now uncertain. Sean Abbott has been named as a traveling reserve to provide fast-bowling cover. Meanwhile, Glenn Maxwell, Nathan Ellis, and Tim David are set to join the squad in Colombo. The decision to bring Abbott follows the team's recent tour of Pakistan. Australia's management is prioritizing long-term fitness over an immediate start for the veteran pacer. The squad looks to balance injury management with their quest for the trophy.

February 3, 2026•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
Read Full Article →
Thakur, Jaiswal back in Mumbai squad for Ranji Trophy quarters
CricketRanjitrophyBcci

Thakur, Jaiswal back in Mumbai squad for Ranji Trophy quarters

Shardul Thakur and Yashasvi Jaiswal have been recalled to the Mumbai squad for the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals. Mumbai, the 42-time champions, will face Karnataka in the knockout match starting February 6. Thakur returns after recovering from an injury that kept him out of recent league games. Jaiswal's return comes after an unexplained absence that reportedly frustrated the Mumbai Cricket Association. The MCA noted Jaiswal was available for selection as he had no ongoing international commitments. Thakur will captain the 16-member squad, which also features Musheer Khan and Sarfaraz Khan. The selection aims to strengthen the side as they pursue another domestic title. Other key players included are Shams Mulani, Tushar Deshpande, and Tanush Kotian. This high-profile quarterfinal is expected to be a major clash in the domestic calendar.

February 3, 2026•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
Read Full Article →
Sussex enter three-year financial framework agreement for funding under ECB policy
CricketEcbSussex

Sussex enter three-year financial framework agreement for funding under ECB policy

Sussex County Cricket Club has entered a three-year financial framework agreement with the ECB to access exceptional funding. The deal follows significant operating losses and unsustainable costs at the club recently. The ECB will provide a structured loan to be fully repaid by January 31, 2029. This funding is intended to provide short-term stability while the club implements necessary structural changes. Sussex must adhere to specific conditions, including spending limits and recruitment restrictions. Failure to comply could lead to point deductions across multiple formats. ECB CEO Richard Gould emphasized the importance of counties having viable business plans for sustainability. Interim CEO Mark West acknowledged that past growth plans and economic pressures led to this crisis. The agreement aims to put Sussex on a more stable financial footing.

February 3, 2026•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
Read Full Article →
Sophie Devine, the finisher with the ball
CricketWplT20

Sophie Devine, the finisher with the ball

Sophie Devine successfully defended eight runs in the final over for Gujarat Giants against Delhi Capitals in Vadodara. Despite conceding 23 runs in her previous over, Devine's experience and "back to basics" approach secured the win. This follows a similar clutch performance against the same team earlier in the season. At 36, the New Zealand veteran has emerged as the WPL's most reliable death bowler. Her performance comes after a high-stakes auction where DC bid aggressively for her. Devine credits her success to better decision-making and clarity in her role. She emphasizes staying calm under pressure and focusing on consistency rather than just economy rates. The win solidifies the Giants' position heading into the Eliminator.

February 3, 2026•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
Read Full Article →