Ahead of the upcoming match against India, Pakistan’s spin attack is being viewed as the team’s strongest weapon. The dry pitch conditions in Colombo are expected to favor spinners, particularly Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub, who both rely heavily on back-spin deliveries. Their carrom balls are likely to skid on the surface, increasing chances of dismissals through bowled and leg-before-wicket.

The analysis highlights that variation will be crucial in T20 bowling, as batsmen tend to play quick shots and struggle to adjust if they misread the carrom ball. Both Abrar and Saim possess strong variations, which could make them effective in the format. Abrar has reportedly refined his use of the carrom ball, while Saim has added side-spin to his repertoire, similar to India’s Varun Chakravarthy. Usman Tariq’s unorthodox bowling action is also mentioned as a potential surprise factor.

With these spin options and the dry surface at the Premadasa Stadium, Pakistan’s bowling lineup could gain a tactical edge in the high-stakes encounter against India.

Leaders of Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ain-e-Pakistan began a sit-in protest on Friday demanding that Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, be transferred to a hospital for proper medical care. They announced the protest would continue until Khan is moved to Shifa International Hospital for eye treatment. The demonstration started after Friday prayers outside the Parliament building in Islamabad.

Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, and Barrister Gohar Ali Khan led the sit-in, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohel Afridi and other PTI leaders held a separate protest at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House. Police were deployed at both locations to maintain order. Senate opposition leader Nasir Abbas told reporters that the protest would continue until their demand is met.

Imran Khan is currently imprisoned in Adiala Jail, where opposition leaders claim he has only 15 percent vision remaining in his right eye and accuse authorities of neglecting his medical treatment.

The Pakistan government is planning to transfer former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan from Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail to a new prison in Islamabad within the next two months, according to The Express Tribune. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the plan during a police passing-out ceremony in Islamabad, stating that the new facility will be completed within two months and will include full medical services.

Imran Khan has been held at Adiala Jail since September 2023. The federal government recently assured the Supreme Court that Khan would be allowed to consult an eye specialist again amid growing concerns over his deteriorating eyesight. He will also be permitted to speak by phone with his sons, Qasim and Suleiman, while in custody.

Advocate Salman Safdar, serving as amicus curiae, met Khan in Adiala Jail and later submitted a seven-page report on his health, quoting Khan as saying that despite treatment, he retains only 15 percent vision in his right eye.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that the country may launch an operation against armed groups based in Afghanistan before the start of Ramadan. Speaking to ARY News on Wednesday, he said the action would be taken if cross-border attacks continue to threaten Pakistan’s internal security. Although he did not specify an exact date, Asif indicated that the operation could begin soon, stressing that delays in responding to security threats have already cost Pakistan heavily.

Pakistan accuses banned militant organizations, including Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), of operating from across the Afghan border and carrying out attacks on Pakistani security forces and civilians. Over recent months, cross-border assaults have increased, heightening security concerns in border regions.

A recent suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad killed 31 people and injured more than 160, followed by multiple attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. Asif warned that if Afghan authorities fail to curb these groups, responsibility for the consequences will rest with them.

Pakistan has agreed to play against India in the upcoming T20 World Cup, reversing its earlier boycott decision. Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi welcomed the move, calling it a triumph for cricket. In a post on his X account, Afridi said the government’s decision to participate preserved the sanctity of the tournament and ensured global stability for the sport. He added that cricket had won and would continue to play a role in bridging divisions.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan also praised the decision, describing it as positive for both competition and cricket. Vaughan expressed hope for a future Test series between the two rivals, suggesting that the United Kingdom could host a three-match series.

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series for more than a decade due to strained diplomatic and political relations. Their encounters have been limited to major ICC and ACC tournaments during this period.

After more than a week of negotiations and meetings, Pakistan has agreed to end its boycott of the T20 World Cup match against India, concluding one of cricket’s most significant crises. The decision came after Pakistan’s government ordered the team to play on February 15, following a series of discussions involving the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

The dispute began when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directed the Kolkata Knight Riders to remove Bangladeshi bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their Indian Premier League squad amid political tensions between India and Bangladesh. In response, Bangladesh withdrew from the World Cup citing security concerns and requested its matches be relocated to Sri Lanka. After the ICC rejected this request and expelled Bangladesh, Pakistan backed Bangladesh and announced a boycott of its match against India in solidarity.

Following multiple rounds of talks, the ICC agreed that Bangladesh would not face penalties for refusing to play in India and promised to host an ICC event in Bangladesh between 2028 and 2031. This resolution prompted Pakistan to end its boycott and confirm participation in the high-profile fixture.

Pakistan secured a 32-run victory over the United States in their second T20 World Cup match, recovering strongly after a close contest against the Netherlands. Batting first after losing the toss, openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub gave Pakistan a flying start, adding 54 runs before Ayub fell for 19. Farhan powered the innings with a 73-run knock off 41 balls, supported by Babar Azam’s 46 and Shadab Khan’s quick 30, taking Pakistan to 190 for nine in 20 overs. For the United States, Shadley van Schalkwyk claimed four wickets for 25 runs.

In reply, the United States managed 158 for eight in their 20 overs, falling short of the target despite half-centuries from Shubham Ranjane (51 not out) and opener Shayan Jahangir (49). Spinner Usman Tariq led Pakistan’s bowling with three wickets for 27 runs. The result marked a sweet revenge for Pakistan, who had been eliminated by the United States in the previous T20 World Cup.

The win gives Pakistan added confidence ahead of their upcoming clash against archrival India on February 15 in Colombo.

Pakistan has decided to play its scheduled T20 World Cup match against India on February 15, reversing an earlier boycott decision. The move follows a telephone conversation between Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who urged Pakistan to reconsider. Pakistan had previously announced a boycott in solidarity with Bangladesh, protesting what it said was India’s influence over the International Cricket Council’s decision to exclude Bangladesh from the tournament.

Geo TV reported that the discussion between the two leaders was positive, with Sri Lanka proposing that the match be hosted in Sri Lanka. Both leaders highlighted the historic friendship between their nations and mutual support during difficult times. Meanwhile, the ICC confirmed that the Bangladesh Cricket Board would face no sanctions over its absence from the World Cup and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s importance as a full member.

The ICC also announced that Bangladesh will host an ICC event before the 2031 Men’s Cricket World Cup, reinforcing its confidence in Bangladesh’s hosting capabilities and commitment to cricket development across member nations.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam Bulbul made an unannounced visit to Pakistan on Sunday amid ongoing tensions surrounding the T20 World Cup. In Lahore, he met Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi and later joined a meeting with the International Cricket Council (ICC). After concluding discussions the same night, Aminul departed from Lahore, where Naqvi personally saw him off at the airport.

The visit followed Bangladesh’s exclusion from the T20 World Cup on January 24 after refusing to play in India, with Scotland replacing them in the tournament. On February 1, Pakistan announced a boycott of its World Cup match against India, prompting ICC deputy chairman Imran Khwaja to travel to Lahore for talks with the PCB. Sources indicate that Pakistan has now set three conditions for reversing its boycott decision, agreeing to face India only if those demands are met.

The meetings in Lahore reflect ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes that have disrupted preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari has said that India has now become a threat to global peace. He made the remarks on Sunday in a statement delivered in Islamabad, expressing gratitude to the international community for showing solidarity after a recent terrorist attack in Pakistan.

Zardari noted that messages of sympathy and support from world leaders, governments, and international organizations have given courage and strength to the people of Pakistan and families affected by terrorism. He emphasized that these gestures demonstrate that the fight against terrorism and its violent ideologies is a global struggle. Reiterating Pakistan’s long-standing position, he said no single country can combat terrorism alone.

The president alleged that some neighboring countries are involved in terrorist activities, providing direct financial and technical support to groups operating against Pakistan. He warned that history shows when terrorist groups are given shelter or impunity beyond national borders, innocent civilians around the world ultimately suffer the consequences.

Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari has accused several neighboring countries of carrying out terrorism against Pakistan. In a statement issued on Sunday, he alleged that some of these countries are directly financing and providing technical support to groups operating against Pakistan. Zardari emphasized that terrorism cannot be fought single-handedly and expressed gratitude to world leaders who showed solidarity after a recent terrorist attack in Islamabad that killed at least 33 people.

He stated that history shows when terrorist groups are given shelter, support, or impunity beyond national borders, innocent civilians around the world ultimately suffer the consequences. Zardari further claimed that some neighboring countries have become complicit by allowing such groups to operate against Pakistan, while others are providing them with financial, technical, and military assistance.

The Pakistani president also sharply criticized the Afghan Taliban administration, accusing Kabul of allowing terrorist groups to launch attacks inside Pakistan targeting security personnel and civilians.

The ongoing tension among Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the upcoming T20 World Cup has taken a new turn. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which had earlier decided to boycott its match against India in protest of Bangladesh’s exclusion, has now placed three conditions to withdraw that decision. According to reports, Pakistan will play India only if the ICC accepts these demands.

Bangladesh was excluded from the India-hosted T20 World Cup after refusing to participate due to security concerns. Despite Bangladesh’s request to change the venue, the ICC did not agree, prompting Pakistan to stand by Bangladesh and announce a boycott of its match against India. This move strained Pakistan’s relationship with the ICC. However, signs of resolution emerged after a meeting in Lahore, where PCB demanded additional compensation for Bangladesh, full participation fees despite its absence, and hosting rights for a future ICC event.

Although the ICC hinted at possible disciplinary action, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi remains firm. He is expected to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif before making a final decision, as the cricket world watches how the ICC responds to Pakistan’s conditions.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is holding discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to address Pakistan’s boycott of its T20 World Cup 2026 fixture against India, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. The match, one of the most commercially valuable in world cricket, was thrown into uncertainty after Pakistan’s government instructed its team not to play. According to a source cited by AFP, the ICC has opted for dialogue rather than confrontation to find a resolution.

The 20-team tournament has already been marred by political tensions. Bangladesh withdrew from playing in India over security concerns and was replaced by Scotland, prompting Pakistan to refuse to face co-hosts India in protest. Pakistan, which defeated the Netherlands in the tournament opener, risks losing two points and damaging its net run rate if it forfeits the match. India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed his team’s readiness to travel to Colombo for the fixture.

The ICC’s mediation aims to preserve one of cricket’s most anticipated contests, as India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series for more than a decade.

Fifty Bangladeshi cricketers have been included in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) auction, marking the third-highest representation from a foreign country after Australia with 60 and the West Indies with 57 players. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released the auction list on February 6, 2026. Among Bangladeshi players, only pacer Mustafizur Rahman has already secured a team, joining Lahore Qalandars as one of six directly contracted players.

Star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim, and Zakir Hasan have entered the auction with the highest base price of 22 million Pakistani rupees each. National team captains Liton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Najmul Hossain Shanto are among those listed in the 11 million rupee category, while players like Mohammad Naim, Sabbir Rahman, Akbar Ali, and Aliss Al Islam are in the 6 million rupee bracket.

This year’s PSL will feature an auction format for the first time, replacing the previous players’ draft system. The auction is scheduled to take place in Lahore on February 11, 2026.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reconsidering its decision to boycott the T20 World Cup group-stage match against India, following a formal request from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). The match, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, was initially boycotted by Pakistan in protest against the ICC’s decision to exclude Bangladesh from the tournament over security concerns. SLC appealed to Pakistan to withdraw the boycott, citing the long-standing friendship between the two nations and the severe financial losses Sri Lanka would face if the high-profile match did not take place.

According to reports from Indian media, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi will discuss the matter with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after returning to Pakistan. SLC President Shammi Silva personally contacted Naqvi, stressing that the India-Pakistan match is crucial for Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery and cricket revenues. The ICC could lose around USD 500 million if the match is canceled, while both cricket boards would face significant financial setbacks.

The PCB’s final decision will depend on consultations with the government, as the original boycott was approved at the cabinet level.