Cricket Live Line

Sri Lanka have suffered a major blow ahead of the T20 World Cup as star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury. The dynamic leg-spinner, who also serves as Sri Lanka’s captain in the shortest format, will miss the marquee event after failing to recover in time, dealing a setback to the team’s balance and leadership. In response, Sri Lanka Cricket has named Dunith Wellalage Hemantha as Hasaranga’s replacement in the squad. Hemantha, a promising all-rounder, has impressed selectors with his consistent performances in domestic cricket and recent international appearances. While he lacks Hasaranga’s experience on the world stage, the team management is confident in his ability to contribute with both bat and ball. Hasaranga’s absence leaves a significant void, especially in the spin department and lower-order batting. Sri Lanka will now look to other senior players to step up as they aim to make an impact in a highly competitive T20 World Cup.

Pakistan has officially withdrawn its decision to boycott the highly-anticipated India vs Pakistan Group A match at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 , scheduled for 15 February 2026 in Colombo . The Pakistan government issued a statement late Monday night approving its national team’s participation in the fixture , bringing an end to more than a week of uncertainty around the marquee clash. 📌 What Happened • The standoff began when Pakistan initially announced it would forfeit the India match — citing solidarity with Bangladesh after Bangladesh refused to play in India due to security concerns and was replaced by Scotland in the tournament lineup. • The decision sparked widespread debate, given that India-Pakistan fixtures are among cricket’s most watched and commercially valuable. • Following intense talks involving the International Cricket Council (ICC) , the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) , Pakistan’s government decided to reverse its b...

Italy cricket captain Wayne Madsen has suffered a significant setback after dislocating his shoulder, raising concerns over his availability for upcoming international matches. The experienced batter sustained the injury during a recent outing, forcing him off the field and putting his immediate playing future in doubt. Madsen has been a vital figure in Italy’s cricketing rise, providing stability at the top order and leadership on and off the field. A shoulder dislocation can require extended rehabilitation, and the Italian team management is expected to closely monitor his recovery before making any decisions on his return. Medical assessments will determine whether Madsen requires a short rest period or a longer spell on the sidelines. His absence, even temporarily, could impact Italy’s plans as they prepare for crucial fixtures, with selectors likely to consider backup leadership and batting options. Further updates are expected once the extent of the injury and recovery timelin...

Scotland’s preparations for the upcoming ICC World Cup have taken an unexpected turn, as the team finds itself grappling with challenges it never anticipated. Despite consistent progress in recent years and impressive performances against higher-ranked sides, the Scottish squad now faces uncertainty that could impact their campaign. A congested international calendar, limited warm-up opportunities, and a lack of exposure to top-tier opposition have emerged as key concerns. With several associate nations competing for limited spots and fixtures, Scotland’s path to maintaining momentum has become increasingly complicated. The team’s coaching staff has highlighted that adapting quickly to changing conditions and opposition will be crucial if they are to remain competitive on the global stage. Injuries and player availability have also added to the complexity, forcing Scotland to reconsider combinations and strategies at a critical time. While the squad boasts experienced campaigners alo...

Australia captain Pat Cummins has admitted that his participation in the upcoming IPL season will depend entirely on how his back holds up in the coming weeks. The fast bowler, who has managed his workload carefully over the past year, stressed that fitness and long-term availability for international cricket remain his top priorities. Cummins revealed that while he is keen to play in the IPL, especially given its competitive intensity and exposure to top-quality cricket, he will not take unnecessary risks. His medical team and Cricket Australia will closely monitor his condition before making a final call. The Australian skipper has had intermittent back concerns in the past, prompting a cautious approach to scheduling. With major international assignments ahead, including key bilateral series and ICC events, Cummins emphasized that listening to his body is crucial. Fans and franchises alike will be hoping for positive news, but Cummins made it clear that any decision will be perfo...

Australia’s World Cup campaign may face an early setback as senior pacer Josh Hazlewood is likely to miss the opening phase of the tournament due to fitness concerns. The team management is expected to monitor his recovery closely, with a cautious approach to avoid any long-term risk during the marquee event. In response, Sean Abbott has been added to the squad as a reserve option. Known for his versatility and ability to contribute in both powerplay and death overs, Abbott provides Australia with valuable depth in the pace department. His inclusion ensures the defending champions remain well-covered while Hazlewood works towards full match fitness. The Australian camp remains optimistic that Hazlewood could return later in the tournament, strengthening their bowling attack at a crucial stage.