Several Pakistan cricketers, including top-order batter Babar Azam, wicketkeeper Muhammad Rizwan, and fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, have reportedly found themselves at the receiving end of a Ponzi scheme. The total amount invested is believed to exceed PKR 1 billion.
According to PTI and Economic Times, sources close to the matter indicate that close to a dozen Pakistani cricketers, including top-order batter Fakhar Zaman, spin-bowling all-rounder Shadab Khan, and a former Test skipper, allegedly invested huge sums of money with a Pakistani business.
Pakistan players at the centre of ponzi scheme
The business in question has previously sponsored franchises in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and is believed to have left the country. The business allegedly made regular payments to the cricketers initially, but the payments soon dried up, raising the eyebrows of the investors.
After a player approached the business, he claimed that he had suffered hefty losses and, hence, was unable to return the invested money. Several players are believed to have invested not only their money but also the funds of their relatives and close ones. The source noted that the cricketers had invested in a Ponzi scheme that ultimately collapsed.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly been apprised of the matter, and an investigation is believed to be underway to track the circumstances leading to the investment fraud.
“The matter has come to the notice of the Pakistan Cricket Board which is understood to be looking into the financial scam,” wrote journalist Saj Sadiq on X (formerly Twitter).
“According to the report, around a dozen current players – also including Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan and others had allegedly invested large sums with a Pakistani businessman who has now left the country.”
Reports state that several Pakistan cricketers including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi have allegedly fallen victim to a Ponzi scheme that could cost them millions of rupees.
The matter has come to the notice of the Pakistan Cricket Board which is…
Two sides who had aspirations of lifting the BBL 2025/26 title meet in the Challenger. Sydney Sixers were thrashed in Perth courtesy of a dismal batting display, and must recover quickly back at home. Hobart Hurricanes prevailed in a thrilling, rain-affected encounter against the Melbourne Stars two nights ago, and will be seeking to catch the Sixers off guard.
In big news, Babar Azam has left the BBL to return to Pakistan in preparation for their upcoming international commitments. The Sixers will be after a strong start on an SCG pitch that has offered assistance for the pace bowlers upfront. Also, they couldn’t deliver as a bowling unit in Perth, so this is an area for improvement as well.
Defending champions Hurricanes have suffered a blow with Nathan Ellis ruled out of the tournament with hamstring tightness. So, can Mitchell Owen deliver the kind of knock he is capable of? He has shown glimpses throughout the season without playing the match-defining innings. If it comes here, the Hurricanes could very well be on their way to Perth for the final.
BBL 2025/26 Challenger: SIX vs HUR Possible Playing XIs
Daniel Hughes and Jordan Silk are in the Sixers squad. Hughes could open alongside Steve Smith with the impressive Lachlan Shaw to retain his place in the middle order.
Mitchell Starc is in some doubt due to a shoulder concern he picked up while attempting a diving catch against the Scorchers.
“Sometimes with these types of injuries, they can get worse once you cool down,” Sixers captain Moises Henriques said, as quoted by ABC News.
Sydney Sixers: 1. Daniel Hughes, 2. Steve Smith, 3. Josh Philippe (wk), 4. Moises Henriques (c), 5. Lachlan Shaw, 6. Joel Davies, 7. Jack Edwards, 8. Ben Manenti, 9. Ben Dwarshuis, 10. Mitchell Starc, 11. Sean Abbott
“Hobart Hurricanes can confirm that skipper Nathan Ellis will miss the remainder of the BBL season and the BBL15 finals due to hamstring tightness,” read the Hurricanes statement, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
Also, Chris Jordan is in doubt after he didn’t take the field in the Eliminator.
Hobart Hurricanes: 1. Mitchell Owen, 2. Tim Ward, 3. Beau Webster, 4. Ben McDermott (c), 5. Nikhil Chaudhary, 6. Matthew Wade (wk), 7. Chris Jordan/Mac Wright, 8. Will Prestwidge, 9. Rishad Hossain, 10. Billy Stanlake, 11. Riley Meredith
SCG Pitch Report and Weather
The average first innings score in completed matches this season is 164. The chasing team won all three times, and quite comfortably as well.
Expect the captain who wins the toss to bowl. The SCG surfaces have offered assistance for the pace bowlers early, but it’s the spinners who have enjoyed the better average and economy rate.
Pace bowlers have taken 29 wickets at an average of 27.24 and economy of 9.11 on this ground in BBL 2025/26. Spinners have picked up 10 wickets at an average of 21.50 and economy of 6.72.
A clear evening is forecast with a modest temperature in the low 20s.
Fantasy Cricket Tips for SIX vs HUR BBL 2025/26 Challenger: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Top wicketkeeper picks:
Since scoring 96 against the Thunder on 20 December, Josh Philippe has scored just 83 runs in his next seven innings. He has enjoyed past success against the Hurricanes at the SCG between 2019 and 2022, scoring 208 runs at an average of 69.3 and strike rate of 169.1.
Key batter picks:
Steve Smith is a must-pick given his form and prowess in the BBL. In 16 BBL innings at the SCG, Smith has belted 749 runs at an average of 74.9 and strike rate of 163.2. This includes a 42-ball 100 in his last match here.
Nikhil Chaudhary is the Hurricanes’ leading run-scorer in BBL 2025/26 with 303 at a strike rate of 155.38. He has struck 17 sixes this season, and sits in the top five in the league.
Top all-rounder picks:
Jack Edwards has been crucial for the Sixers with the ball the season (most wickets with 17). His role becomes even more important with Sam Curran no longer available.
Mitchell Owen struggles against left-arm pace (see below) but he has huge fantasy cricket potential. He has smashed 69 runs off 32 balls in two matches against the Sixers.
Beau Webster bats in the top order and is coming off a crucial 26-ball 47 in the last match.
Joel Davies has taken 12 wickets this season at an economy of 5.80. At the SCG this season, the left-arm spinner has figures of 2/13 off 11 deliveries.
Key bowler picks:
Mitchell Starc has a fantastic matchup against Mitchell Owen. Owen has been dismissed 17 times by left-arm pace in all T20s at an average of 13.9.
Riley Meredith has picked up seven wickets in his last three completed matches. Even in the washed out match against the Sixers on 11 January, Meredith troubled the openers.
Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams
Ben McDermott also offers value among the wicketkeeper picks as he bats up the order. However, he has an underwhelming record against the Sixers, averaging 20.6 with a strike rate of 115.1 in 10 innings. He hasn’t scored a fifty against them yet.
Sean Abbott has struggled for rhythm in recent games, but he is worth considering from a fantasy cricket perspective. He’s picked up 18 wickets in 13 matches against the Hurricanes (SR 14.3) and has 80 BBL wickets in 47 matches at the SCG (12.2).
Spinners have fared well at the SCG, which provides Rishad Hossain with an opportunity to perform here. He has the second-most wickets for the Hurricanes this season (13).
Mitchell Owen against left-arm seam in 2026: nine balls, 16 runs, three wickets..
Riley Meredith vs Josh Philippe: 37 balls, 46 runs, one wicket.
Riley Meredith vs Daniel Hughes: 19 balls, 24 runs, one wicket.
Ben Dwarshuis vs Mitchell Owen: 12 balls, 28 runs, no wickets.
Sean Abbott vs Ben McDermott: 39 balls, 46 runs, two wickets.
BBL 2025/26 Challenger: SIX vs HUR Dream11 Prediction Today
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.
Option 1:
BBL 2025/26 Challenger: SIX vs HUR Dream11 Prediction Today
Option 2:
BBL 2025/26 Challenger: SIX vs HUR Dream11 Prediction Today
BBL 2025/26 Challenger: SIX vs HUR Match Prediction – Who will win?
This has the makings of a classic. Sydney Sixers at home will prevail in a close game with Steve Smith playing a vital role.
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo, Bigbashboard and Cricmetric.
Rashid Latif has called for Pakistan to boycott the 2026 T20 World Cup in support of Bangladesh.
It seems inevitable that Bangladesh will not feature in the tournament after remaining adamant that travel to India is off the table. A day earlier, the International Cricket Council (ICC) offered an ultimatum to Bangladesh: travel to India or be replaced by Scotland.
Rashid Latif calls for Pakistan to support Bangladesh
In Wednesday’s board meeting, the ICC board members voted 14-2 in favour of Bangladesh travelling to India to keep their place in the tournament. Bangladesh’s only supporter was Pakistan, who voted in favour of moving matches to Sri Lanka.
Latif called for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to act. The former keeper-batsman said it’s time to show their support.
“The trump card is still with Pakistan. Bangladesh‘s stance is right. Pakistan won’t get a better opportunity than this. Pakistan not playing would be like stopping the World Cup. Pakistan is the key,” Latif said on his YouTube channel, as quoted by First Post.
“Yes, Pakistan could suffer in the future. There could be sanctions if Pakistan refuses to play ICC events. But there is no use of just words — now is the time to show who you support,” he continued.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said it will keep communicating with the ICC in an attempt to have their matches relocated to Sri Lanka. However, the ICC were also firm in their stance that it’s too late for changes.
“Let me tell you clearly. It is the government’s decision not to play in India due to security concerns,” said Bangladesh’s sports advisor Asif Nazrul, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
“The ICC hasn’t even tried to convince us. They only talked about their standard security plan, rather than address our specific grievance. The India government didn’t even try to convince us. They didn’t call the Mustafiz incident [when he was removed from the IPL at the request of the BCCI] an isolated incident. They didn’t say sorry about the Mustafiz incident, or even try to communicate with us,” Nazrul said.
“So there’s no scope for changing our decision. We didn’t get justice from the ICC, they are still not allowing us to play in Sri Lanka. There are many instances that the venue has been changed due to security risk. We are hopeful the ICC will take into account our genuine concern, and give us the opportunity to play in the World Cup.”
Bangladesh are scheduled to play the second match of the tournament, against West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Should there be no resolution, Scotland will take their place.
The SA20 2025/26 Eliminator will be played between the Paarl Royals (PR) and Joburg Super Kings (JSK). SuperSport Park, Centurion, will host this game on 22nd January 2026 at 9 PM IST.
Paarl Royals finished third in the table with five wins in 10 games. They started off strongly but lost track in the last few matches during the league stages. David Miller got injured in the last game and didn’t come out to bat. His availability for this game is in doubt, and it’ll be a body blow for the Royals if their skipper misses out. Lhuan-Dre Pretorius looked in good touch in the last game, and so did Rubin Hermann. Dan Lawrence has done a great job with the bat.
The bowling has been excellent for the Royals. Ottniel Baartman is currently the highest wicket-taker of the edition with 17, while Sikandar Raza (14 wickets) is second on the list. Hardus Viljoen and Nqobani Mokoena have also done well in the opportunities they’ve received. Paarl lost their last game against JSK and will be eager to settle the score in this game.
The Joburg Super Kings, after a series of losses and injuries, bounced back strongly in the last game. Leus du Plooy (54 runs) saw the side to a fighting total, and then the bowlers put in a brilliant collective effort to contain the Royals to just 122 runs. Neil Timmers did a good job at the top, while James Vince, Matthew de Villiers, and Dian Forrester are other key batters for them. JSK should look for more of Wiaan Mulder with the bat.
Nandre Burger, Akeal Hosein, Imran Tahir, and Prenalen Subrayen will have to be on their toes in this game too if JSK are to proceed to the Qualifier 2. They’ll be the confident side coming to this game after their last win over Paarl.
Joburg Super Kings: 1. N (wk), 2. James Vince (c), 3. Michael Pepper, 4. Matthew de Villiers, 5. Leus du Plooy, 6. Wiaan Mulder, 7. Dian Forrester, 8. Akeal Hosein, 9. Prenalen Subrayan, 10. Imran Tahir, 11. Nandre Burger
SuperSport Park Centurion Pitch Report and Weather
The wicket at SuperSport Park is known for its batting friendly nature. Batters will enjoy their time on the crease as they can play their shots trusting the pitch.
The average first innings score here in this season is 164 runs in four games with teams batting first winning two of them. Spinners will be crucial here for both sides. Teams may look to bat first and then put up a good total on the board.
The weather will be mostly cloudy but no rain is predicted during the game time.
Fantasy Cricket Tips for PR vs JSK 2025/26: Players to Watch/Key Stats
Top Wicket-Keeper Picks:
Lhuan-Dre Pretorius looked in good touch for his 32 in the last game. has 170 runs in nine innings at an average of 21.25, including a fifty. He has been below average this season apart from one innings but he’s a key batter for Paarl and will be a good fantasy pick.
Key batter picks:
Rubin Hermann scored 14 in the last game but he played a couple of good shots indicating he’s in decent touch. He has 205 runs at an average of 31.83, including a fifty, this season. Hermann will be a good fantasy pick as he can play spin well and will be a key batter for his team in the middle order.
James Vince has 216 runs in six innings at an average of 36 and a strike rate of 151.04, including a couple of fifties. Vince will be a key batter for his team in this do-or-die encounter. He will be a top C/VC choice as well.
David Miller (if plays) has 196 runs in 8 innings this season. He is a key batter for his team in the middle order. We all know how destructive he can be on his day, and it’s advisable to back him in your fantasy teams.
Leus du Plooy has played a match-winning knock in the last game. He scored 54* off just 27 when his side looked in all sorts. Du Plooy likes to play all around the ground and JSK will need him to take responsibility in this game too. Try him as C/VC in some of your teams.
Top all-rounder picks:
Sikandar Raza will bowl his full quota and will be a key player with the bat for Paarl in the middle order. He hasn’t been at his best with the bat this season but his role is expected to increase if Miller is unavailable. Raza will be a popular C/VC pick.
Wiaan Mulder is batting too low from his ideal batting position but he’s bowling key overs for JSK and he is a capable batter. Mulder will fetch points from both bat and ball making him a top fantasy pick and a good C/VC option.
Dian Forrester has played a couple of good knocks for JSK. He has been very composed while batting and can bowl an over or two if required. Forrester will be a handy fantasy pick, especially when JSK loses their top order early.
Key bowler picks:
Akeal Hosein has six wickets in five games at an economy of 7.20. He played a crucial knock in the first game of the season for JSK. He can trouble Paarl’s middle order and will be a someone you can bank on for this game.
Ottniel Baartman is the current highest wicket-taker of this season with 17 wickets in seven games. He went wicketless in the last match but he has often picked up wickets for fun and will bowl the important overs for the Royals.
Waqar Salamkheil picked up two wickets in the last match. JSK has struggled against spin and he can take advantage of that. JSK’s middle order is inexperienced apart from Du Plooy and he can trouble them again.
Imran Tahir picked up two crucial wickets in the last game. He’s a proven performer and will use all his experience in this important game. Tahir has a knack of picking up wickets and will be an ideal fantasy pick. You can try him as C/VC too.
Other Players to Consider for Your Fantasy Cricket Teams
Matthew de Villiers
Bjorn Fortuin
Nandre Burger
Neil Timmers
Other Facts
Paarl Royals have won 4 of the 7 games played against JSK in SA20 with one washed out game.
SA20 2025-26 Eliminator: PR vs JSK Dream11 Prediction Today
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.
Option 1:
SA20 2025-26 Eliminator: PR vs JSK Dream11 Prediction Today
Option 2:
SA20 2025-26 Eliminator: PR vs JSK Dream11 Prediction Today
SA20 2025/26 Eliminator: PR vs JSK Match Prediction: Who will win?
The Joburg Super Kings fought hard in the last game, especially their bowlers. They did well with the bat after Vince got out for a duck. They’ll miss Faf du Plessis and Donovan Ferreira but the youngsters did a good job in the last game.
Paarl, on the other hand, will have to regroup as a batting unit in this game. Sikandar Raza, Asa Tribe, Delano Potgieter, and Rubin Hermann will have to take responsibility.
The Bangladesh government is firm on its stance that its cricket team will not travel to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
After the International Cricket Council (ICC) gave a one-day ultimatum to BCB and the Bangladesh government to change their stance or risk getting replaced by Scotland, a meeting was held between the BCB, Bangladesh’s players, and the government’s Sports Advisor in Dhaka on Thursday 22 January.
Bangladesh remain adamant: No travel to India for T20 World Cup
Following the meeting, a press conference was held, where BCB president Aminul Islam said that the board will go back to the ICC with its plan to play in Sri Lanka, citing the island nation as being the co-host of the tournament.
“We will go back to the ICC with our plan to play in Sri Lanka. They did give us a 24-hour ultimatum, but a global body can’t really do that. ICC will miss out on 200 million people watching the World Cup,” he said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
“It will be their loss … ICC is calling Sri Lanka co-hosts. They are not co-hosts. It is a hybrid model. Some of the things I heard in the ICC meeting was shocking.”
Bangladesh are still hopeful of playing in Sri Lanka. The government’s Sports Advisor, Asil Nazrul, stated that it’s their government providing the direction on travel to India.
“We are hopeful that ICC will give us the opportunity to play in Sri Lanka. It is our government who has decided not to go to India,” he said.
The ICC board voted 14-2 in favour of replacing the Bangladesh cricket team, should the government not budge from its stance of not playing in India.
Scotland are set to take Bangladesh’s place. The European nation originally failed to qualify for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, but are likely to get their chance in India in this edition.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) board voted to replace Bangladesh if they choose not to travel to India for the T20 World Cup.
Earlier this month, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) requested for their matches to be shifted to Sri Lanka citing security concerns. However, the ICC has stood firm, stating there is no threat to any of the Bangladeshi travelling contingent, as well as the fact it is too close to the tournament to make major changes.
“The decision was taken after considering all security assessments conducted, including independent reviews, all of which indicated there was no threat to Bangladesh players, media persons, officials and fans at any of the tournament venues in India,” the ICC said in a statement, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
“The ICC Board noted that it was not feasible to make changes so close to the tournament and that altering the schedule under the circumstances, in the absence of any credible security threat, could set a precedent that would jeopardise the sanctity of future ICC events and undermine its neutrality as a global governing body.
“The ICC management also engaged in a series of correspondences and meetings with the BCB in a bid to resolve the impasse, sharing detailed information on the event security plan, including layered federal and state law-enforcement support.”
On January 4, the BCB wrote to the ICC to state they won’t travel to India due to security concerns. The ICC confirmed it was in relation to the release of Bangladeshi pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders’ squad at the request of the BCCI.
“Despite these efforts [security assessments, comprehensive venue-level security plans and formal assurances from the host authorities], the BCB maintained its position, repeatedly linking its participation in the tournament to a single, isolated and unrelated development concerning one of its player’s involvement in a domestic league.
“This linkage has no bearing on the tournament’s security framework or the conditions governing participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.”
Debates: Were the ICC right in their stance on Bangladesh’s participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup?
The directors of all Full Member nations were present at the board meeting. 14 voted in favour of keeping Bangladesh’s matches in India. Pakistan was the only nation to support Bangladesh’s stance.
Arguments/reactions against the ICC’s decision
Fans against the ICC’s decision pointed to how India were able to play in Dubai in last year’s Champions Trophy that was hosted by Pakistan.
“I understand all situations are different. But India refusing to travel to Pakistan for CT 2025 and the ICC creating a hybrid model to work around. Compared to Bangladesh refusing to travel to India and the ICC saying put up or get booted – has made me sad,” wrote journalist Cameron Ponsonby on X (formerly Twitter).
I understand all situations are different. But India refusing to travel to Pakistan for CT 2025 and the ICC creating a hybrid model to work around. Compared to Bangladesh refusing to travel to India and the ICC saying put up or get booted – has made me sad. https://t.co/8feJm9XfMW
Extraordinary decision by the ICC. Ordinarily, a country forfeits the matches it refuses to play, and if that country is India, an alternative arrangement is made. In Bangladesh’s case, however, it’s not even allowed to forfeit its matches and is instead replaced by another team. https://t.co/w2krsrPP98
If Bangladesh are forced to play their T20 World Cup matches in India, they’ll be completely uncomfortable. Hostile fans will troll them relentlessly, stadiums will be empty of any real support for Bangladesh, and security risks will make focus impossible. Concentration? Forget… pic.twitter.com/Svbrgb4wN0
— 🇿🇦 Sabeeha Majid 🏏/DA Miller stan account❤️ (@SabeehaMajid) January 21, 2026
The ICC’s rejection of the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s request not to play in India is not a victory for the ICC, nor is it a defeat for Bangladesh. It is a dark decision for cricket. By supporting Bangladesh’s stance, the @TheRealPCB has made history.
ICC, while rejecting Bangladesh’s request, stated that this "could set a precedent that would jeopardize the sanctity of future ICC events and undermine its neutrality as a global governing body."
Interesting. ICC still doesn't realize that it already compromised its neutrality…
Not one Board apart from PAK(obviously) stood behind BAN which shows where these 2 Boards stand presently..No one will go against BCCI no matter how much their people or media shouts.Everyone knows where the money is coming from. https://t.co/YHRSE29aPk
Catering for one demographic and treating the rest with disdain, the governing body seems to have lost what little credibility it had left. https://t.co/pHhyMXJbn7
Those for the ICC’s decision support the notion that it is too difficult to make such significant logistical changes this late in the piece. Also, there is the view that Bangladesh left it too late to request for their matches to be moved out of India compared to the 2025 Champions Trophy where India said they wouldn’t travel to Pakistan months in advance.
I Wont Blame ICC.
There Would Have Been No Threat To Mustafiz Too If He Played IPL.
All Was Just Online Drama. India Is Way Too Big And Diverse Country To Give Attention To Opinions From Fringe Group.
India & Bangladesh have not fought wars. Bangladesh do not have a target painted at their back in India. India & Pakistan have. It’s a different ball game. The West should refrain from commenting on matters where they lack not just the sensitivities but historical knowledge too
Bangladesh not playing the T20 World Cup would be a loss primarily for their own board, their cricket, and their cricketers.
Bangladesh remains one of the least improved teams in world cricket. Despite playing at this level for a long time, they have rarely been truly… pic.twitter.com/lOsgMDjrCM
1) India registered their apprehensions against playing in Pakistan long before the tournament started, consistent with their stance of not going there since 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
2) their apprehensions were vindicated when Pakistani terrorists killed
To those crying foul and suddenly sympathising with Bangladesh cricket for a mess entirely created by their own board and interim government.
Where was this outrage in 2009 when Zimbabwe were forced to pull out of the T20 World Cup due to strained England–Zimbabwe relations?… pic.twitter.com/oGfCcDfD2K
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has given a one-day ultimatum to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to confirm their availability for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
According to ESPNCricinfo, the majority of the ICC board, on Wednesday, January 21, voted 14-2 in favour of replacing Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup.
ICC Board votes to replace Bangladesh with Scotland. Gives them to a day to take ICC verdict to Bangladesh Govt and Come Back with their final decision The ICC Board voted 14-2 against Bangladesh’s demands. #BreakingNews#ICCWorldCup
ICC board votes for Bangladesh to be replaced in the T20 World Cup if they don’t travel to India
The meeting had representation from members and presidents of all the full member nations, and it also included top brass of the ICC management, such as CEO Sanjog Gupta, deputy chairman Imran Khawaja, and general manager Gaurav Saxena. Additionally, two members of associate nations, Mubashshir Usmani and Mahinda Vallipuram, were in attendance.
The ICC is said to have told the BCB to inform the Bangladesh government that their cricket team would be replaced in the biennial event should they not agree to travel to India.
Bangladesh are placed in Group C alongside two-time World Champions West Indies and England, and associate nations: Nepal and Italy. They are scheduled to play their four group stage matches in India, three in Kolkata and one in Mumbai.
Should the Bangladesh government refuse to budge from its stance, its cricket team would be replaced by Scotland. The European nation failed to qualify for the 2026 edition, having finished behind the Netherlands, Italy, and Jersey in the regional qualifiers.
The ongoing row erupted after India banned fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from participating in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League. Following that, BCB refused to travel to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, citing security concerns for their players.
However, an independent security agency’s risk assessment report for the upcoming event reveals that there is no direct threat against participating teams in India. Following numerous failed discussions between BCB and the governing body, the ICC board met today to take a final call on the matter.
Bangladesh received support from Pakistan on their stance, with ESPNCricinfo reporting that the PCB wrote an e-mail to the governing body, supporting Bangladesh’s insistence on not traveling to India.
Qualifier 1 of SA20 2025/26 will be played between Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC) and Pretoria Capitals (PC) on 21st January 2026 at 9 PM IST. Kingsmead, Durban, will host this encounter.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape finished at the top of the table with five wins in 10 games. They defeated the Pretoria Capitals twice (48 runs and 10 wickets) in the league stage of the tournament. The likes of Quinton de Kock, Jonny Bairstow, and Jordan Hermann have done well with the bat, with James Coles also chipping in during the last few games.
Anrich Nortje, Adam Milne, and Marco Jansen have been in good form, while Coles and Senuran Muthusamy have also bowled well. Matthew Breetzke (66 runs) came back to form at the best time for his side. Chris Green also played in the last match, and he too adds a lot of depth to the Sunrisers squad with both bat and ball.
Pretoria Capitals also won five games out of 10 during the league stage. They’ve played as a team till now, but they’re still far from their best as a side. Sherfane Rutherford, with some assistance from Dewald Brevis, has almost single-handedly carried their batting throughout the league stage. They’ll need consistency from the likes of Shai Hope, Andre Russell, and Roston Chase with the bat.
It’ll be fair to say that the Capitals have punched above their weight in terms of bowling. Gideon Peters has emerged as their best bowler, while Keshav Maharaj, Lizaad Williams, and Lungi Ngidi have also bowled well. The Capitals will be eager to win this game and settle the score against the Sunrisers to reach the final of the tournament.
Kingsmead is one of the best batting venues in SA20. The pitch here allows the batters to play their shots. But there is some assistance for the bowlers as well, especially the spinners. Pretoria scored 201 runs in the last game played at this venue. Teams batting first have won 52% of the T20s played here in the last five years.
Teams may prefer chasing in this game, but don’t be surprised if they opt to bat first, considering this is a high-pressure encounter. The weather is expected to be partly cloudy, but we should get a full game without any rain interruption.
Fantasy Cricket Tips for SEC vs PC: Players to Watch/Key Stats
Top Wicket-Keeper Picks:
Quinton de Kock (328 runs) is the third-highest run scorer of SA20 2025/26 at an average of 46.85, and he’s striking at 149.09, including four fifties to his name. He’s been in terrific touch this season, and the onus will be on his shoulders to get his side off to a flying start. De Kock will be a top C/VC choice.
Shai Hope has 264 runs in nine innings, 118 of which came in only one game. He’s made starts but the team needs more consistency from him at the top. Hope, like we saw earlier this season, can score big when he gets going. He’ll be another top pick.
Key batter picks:
Dewald Brevis has 194 runs in nine innings but he’s played well when the side has needed him the most. He’s yet to perform upto his standards and will be itching to go big in this game. Try him as C/VC in some of your teams.
Sherfane Rutherford is currently the third-highest run-scorer of this season with 317 runs to his name at an average of 79.25 at a strike rate of 166.84, including two fifties. He has saved his side after a top-order collapse on numerous occasions this season. Rutherford is someone you can’t miss out on for this match.
Top all-rounder picks:
Marco Jansen picked up one wicket in the last game. He can win games single-handedly, which we saw in the second-to-last game against MI (42 runs and 2 wickets). Jansen can trouble Pretoria’s top order, and he will be a top C/VC option.
Andre Russell has been far from his best, but he’s an experienced campaigner and will contribute with both bat and ball. Try him as captain in a few teams.
James Coles has been exceptional for the Sunrisers. He’s scoring runs in the middle order and is picking up wickets as well. He has four wickets and 89 runs (average 44.50, strike rate 145.90). Coles will be another great C/VC choice.
Chris Green played in the last game for the Sunrisers. He picked up three wickets. Green is a utility player who can contribute with the bat, ball, and in the field. He’s someone you can back for this game.
Key bowler picks:
Anrich Nortje is the second-highest wicket-taker this season with 14 wickets in eight matches at an economy of 7.05 and a strike rate of 12.02. Nortje has picked up wickets in every game. Plus, he’ll bowl the key overs for Sunrisers.
Other Players to Consider for Your Fantasy Cricket Team
Lungi Ngidi
Lizaad Williams
Jonny Bairstow
Keshav Maharaj
Other Matchups and Facts
Head to Head: Pretoria Capitals 4 – Sunrisers Eastern Cape.
Sunrisers have won the last three games played between these two sides.
Jordan Hermann vs Keshav Maharaj (T20s): 37 balls, 37 runs, and 4 dismissals.
Dewald Brevis vs Marco Jansen (T20s): 37 deliveries, 38 runs, and 3 dismissals.
Dewald Brevis vs Anrich Nortje (T20s): 26 deliveries, 20 runs, and 3 dismissals.
SA20 2025/26 Qualifier 1: SEC vs PC Dream11 Prediction
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.
Option 1:
SA20 2025/26 Qualifier 1: SEC vs PC Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
SA20 2025/26 Qualifier 1: SEC vs PC Dream11 Prediction
SA20 2025/26 Qualifier 1: SEC vs PC Match Prediction: Who will win?
Both teams have been in great form in the league stage of the tournament but the Sunrisers are looking much more balanced with good depth and quality in their squad. Chris Green’s addition has bolstered their strength. Pretoria will have to be at their best as a side if they are to defeat them.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape to win.
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo, Bigbashboard and Cricmetric.
Could we be getting a sneak peak of a match we’ll see at the business end of the upcoming T20 World Cup? India and New Zealand go head-to-head in Nagpur for the first of three T20Is, with the Black Caps aiming to win their first-ever T20I series in India.
New Zealand are fresh off a historic ODI series win – their first on Indian soil. The form of Daryl Mitchell is magnificent, while their fielding is of the usual high standard. Also, they welcome back some experienced names, including Rachin Ravindra and Matt Henry.
For India, the priority is continuing their wonderful form in T20Is. They have been in dominant form in the format in recent years, with their last assignment a 3-1 home win over South Africa. However, there was some signs of shakiness in the batting department, including some questionable rotation in the lineup. Developing some continuity here will be key.
Michael Bracewell is unlikely to play as he suffered a calf injury during the third ODI.
New Zealand: 1. Tim Robinson, 2. Devon Conway (wk), 3. Rachin Ravindra, 4. Daryl Mitchell, 5. Glenn Phillips, 6. Mark Chapman, 7. James Neesham, 8. Mitchell Santner (c), 9. Matt Henry, 10. Ish Sodhi, 11. Jacob Duffy
Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium Nagpur Pitch Report and Weather
Spinners have fared well in T20Is at Nagpur, averaging 20.82 at an economy of 6.70. This is the second-best among Indian grounds that have hosted at least five T20Is. The last T20I was an eight-over shootout between Australia and India in 2022, where India chased down 91 in 7.2 overs.
A clear evening is forecast with temperatures dropping to around 18 degrees. Dew is possible, so the captain who wins the toss will likely bowl.
Fantasy Cricket Tips for IND vs NZ 1st T20 2026: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Top wicketkeeper picks:
Sanju Samson is a high-impact player at the top of the order. Since the start of 2024, Samson has struck 678 T20 runs as opener at an average of 35.7 and strike rate of 167.
Key batter picks:
Abhishek Sharma is striking at 193.6 in all T20s since the start of 2025. In the powerplay, he scored 823 runs in this period at a strike rate of 186.2.
Daryl Mitchell comes into this match off a fifty and two hundreds in the ODIs. He has just the one fifty in 14 T20Is against India, but he is in outstanding form at the moment and a wonderful player of spin.
Top allrounder picks:
Mitchell Santner will have a key role to play against India’s right-handers. In 14 T20Is in India, the left-arm spinner has taken 17 wickets at an average of 19.88 and economy of 6.47.
Hardik Pandya has struck 142 runs in three T20I innings at a strike rate of 186.84 since returning from injury. He will be looking to improve on his batting average (19.22) and bowling economy (9.24) against New Zealand.
Glenn Phillips is fresh off a century in the third ODI and he will have a key role with the ball here against India’s left-handers.
Key bowler picks:
Jasprit Bumrah has taken 11 wickets in six T20s on this ground at an average of 10.36 and economy of 5.26. He also conceded just 6.10 per over in 10 T20Is against New Zealand (12 wickets, avg. 19.33).
Varun Chakravarthy was one of the world’s best T20I bowlers in 2025, taking 36 wickets in 18 innings (avg. 13.19, econ. 7.08).
Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson have huge roles to play in the powerplay. In all T20s since the start of 2024, Henry has taken 35 wickets at an economy of 6.80 and strike rate of 18.6. Jamieson has taken 19 wickets at an economy of 6.94 and strike rate of 20.2.
Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams
Suryakumar Yadav had a horror year in 2025 (218 runs, average 13.62). However, he has enjoyed some success against New Zealand with a century (111*) and 284 runs in eight innings at an average of 47.33 and strike rate of 153.51.
Ish Sodhi has taken 25 wickets in 20 T20Is against India at an average of 20.80 and strike rate of 16.56.
Devon Conway has made two fifties in six T20Is against India (150 runs, avg. 30.00, SR 119.04).
It remains to be seen how many overs Axar Patel will bowl as New Zealand have plenty of left-handers. He could also bat up the order.
This is an opportunity for Rachin Ravindra to deliver. He still hasn’t quite nailed T20 cricket with a batting average of 20.28 in all T20s.
Other Stats and Important Matchups
Head-to-head: Matches 25, India 14, New Zealand 10, one tie.
Jacob Duffy has taken the third-most T20I wickets (42) since the last T20 World Cup. Only Varun Chakravarthy and Richard Ngarava have more.
Ishan Kishan vs New Zealand: 7 inns, 103 runs, avg. 14.71, SR 92.79.
Arshdeep Singh vs Devon Conway in T20Is: 11 balls, 23 runs, three wickets.
Ish Sodhi vs Suryakumar Yadav in T20Is: 40 balls, 61 runs, two wickets.
IND vs NZ 1st T20 2026 Dream11 Prediction Today
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.
IND vs NZ 1st T20 2026 Dream11 Prediction Today
Option 2:
IND vs NZ 1st T20 2026 Dream11 Prediction Today
IND vs NZ 1st T20 2026 Match Prediction – Who will win?
New Zealand will give India a big test, but I’m expecting the hosts to get the win.
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo, Bigbashboard and Cricmetric.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has landed a huge sponsorship deal with Gemini, the Google-owned Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform. According to reports, the agreement is said to be worth approximately INR 270 crore (approx. US$29.6 million) over three years.
Google-owned Gemini becomes IPL sponsor in deal worth around INR 270 crore
Gemini’s IPL sponsorship is part of a shift where AI platforms are becoming key players in the cricket landscape.
Canva bid INR 554 crore for India’s shirt sponsorship until 2028. Apollo Tyres landed the deal at INR 579 crore.
ChatGPT has a two-year, INR 16 crore deal as a sponsor of the Women’s Premier League.
As reported by Sportcal, a 2024 Deloitte survey showed that India ranked first in the Asia-Pacific region regarding generative AI technology adoption, especially among younger people. Hence, it is no surprise that these AI platforms are looking to reach the younger demographic via cricket tournaments.
The deal comes as a boost to the IPL following the ban on real-money gaming (RMG), including paid contests in fantasy cricket. Dream11, who were a major sponsor, pulled out following the introduction of the Online Gaming Bill in 2025.
“AI platforms are expected to play a role similar to fantasy sports in driving sports advertising interest this year,” said an industry executive, as quoted by Economic Times.
However, the impact of the RMG ban will be felt for a while to come according to another industry executive. In fact, the IPL’s brand value recently dropped from $12 billion to $9.6 billion with the ban on RMG a key factor.
“RMG ban will impact TV and digital advertising on sports more than on-ground sponsorships,” said the industry executive.
