Abhishek Sharma Return, Babar Backed, Buttler Record– February 14 Cricket Highlights

Abhishek Sharma and Babar Azam [Source: AFP, @wordsbyher_/x]

Abhishek Sharma is set to make his return to the Indian playing XI, as confirmed by team captain Suryakumar Yadav. Pakistan skipper Salman Agha has backed Babar Azam to come up clutch against India at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Former England captain Jos Buttler attained a huge world record in T20I cricket.

Capping an eventful day in the world of cricket, here we take a look at five of the biggest cricketing news that emerged out of Saturday, February 14.

Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble to get felicitated at Chinnaswamy

Former India captains Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble are set to be felicitated by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). Led by former India fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad, the association will be unveiling stands named after Dravid and Kumble at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

The KSCA will also be honoring former India women’s captain Shantha Rangaswamy. The association confirmed the announcement of honouring the three Indian cricketers at an event marking 50 years of the stadium.

Jos Buttler fastest to 4,000 T20I runs

Former England captain Jos Buttler was dismissed for just three from four balls against Scotland in match number 23 of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Opening the innings alongside Phil Salt in a chase of 153, Buttler was dismissed by Scotland’s Sam Currie in the second over.

Despite of his rare failure, England secured a comprehensive five-wicket win in Kolkata. Jos Buttler also completed 4,000 T20I runs in the process, becoming the fastest player in the world to scale the landmark figure, in terms of number of balls faced. He defeated previous best record of Rohit Sharma (2,860) by 170 deliveries.

Abhishek Sharma to play Pakistan match, confirms Suryakumar Yadav

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed that blistering opening batter Abhishek Sharma will be included in the playing XI for the match against Pakistan on February 15 in Colombo. Abhishek missed India’s previous Group A match of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup against Namibia in Delhi earlier this week owing to an illness.

While speaking at a pre-match press conference, the Indian skipper has seemingly confirmed that Abhishek Sharma has attained full recovery and will return back to his usual batting role at the top of the order.

Lorcan Tucker crushes Oman, keeps Ireland’s hopes alive

Ireland stand-in captain Lorcan Tucker punched out a regal 94* from just 51 balls with 10 cracking fours and four huge sixes against Oman in match 22 of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Colombo. Batting at number four, the cricketer’s innings helped Ireland mount a formidable total of 235-5 in 20 overs.

Fueled by Lorcan Tucker’s record-shattering knock, Ireland crushed Oman by 96 runs to register their first win of the tournament. Ireland will now face Zimbabwe in a must-win game on February 17 in Pallekele.

Salman Agha backs Babar Azam for India match

Pakistan captain Salman Agha has backed struggling Babar Azam ahead of his team’s all-important Group A match of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup against Team India. A day prior to the blockbuster match in Colombo, Salman pretty much confirmed that Babar will be included in Pakistan’s playing XI. The star all-rounder also added that the Pakistan team management will not be experimenting with his batting position at the moment.

It is worth noting that Babar Azam has undergone a form slump in T20s in the past couple of months, which included an underwhelming BBL 2025-26 season in Australia.