It is a significant day in the cricket world, headlined by the start of a major T20 series in India and a looming deadline that could reshape next month’s T20 World Cup.
Here is your cricket update for Wednesday, January 21, 2026:
1. India vs. New Zealand: 1st T20I (Nagpur)
The five-match T20 series kicks off today at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium. Following a surprising 1-2 loss to the Black Caps in the ODI series, India is looking to reset in the shortest format.
- Match Time: 7:00 PM IST (Toss at 6:30 PM).
- India News: Suryakumar Yadav leads the side. Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh return to the T20 setup, while Axar Patel has been named vice-captain.
- Injury Update: Tilak Varma is out of the first three games (abdominal surgery); Shreyas Iyer takes his place. Ravi Bishnoi replaces the injured Washington Sundar.
- New Zealand News: Mitchell Santner captains a confident squad. Daryl Mitchell enters the match as the new World No. 1 ODI batter, having just overtaken Virat Kohli in the latest ICC rankings today.
2. T20 World Cup 2026: Bangladesh Participation Crisis
Today is the “Deadline Day” for the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
- The Conflict: Bangladesh has refused to play their World Cup matches in India due to security concerns, following a diplomatic standoff.
- Current Status: An emergency ICC meeting is underway today (started at 6:00 PM IST) involving BCB officials and BCCI Secretary Jay Shah.
- The Stakes: The ICC has warned that if Bangladesh does not commit today, they risk being replaced by a lower-ranked team in the tournament starting February 7. Pakistan has offered to host Bangladesh’s matches, but the ICC has so far rejected moving venues.
3. Big Bash League (BBL|15): The Knockout
The BBL finals are in full swing in Australia.
- Match: Hobart Hurricanes vs. Melbourne Stars at Ninja Stadium, Hobart.
- Key Update: Hurricanes captain Nathan Ellis was ruled out today with a “niggle.” Ben McDermott is leading the side in this sudden-death clash.
4. ICC Rankings & Other News
- ODI Rankings: Daryl Mitchell (845 points) officially climbed to the top spot today, with Virat Kohli (795 points) dropping to No. 2.
- Afghanistan vs. West Indies: The 2nd T20I between these two sides is scheduled for today at the Dubai International Stadium (8:00 PM IST).
- U19 World Cup: Matches continue today, including a record-breaking fastest century recently scored by an Australian youngster against Japan.
