MS Dhoni and India U19 team [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @ICC/x]MS Dhoni commenced his preparations for the upcoming IPL 2026 season for the CSK franchise. Scotland has officially replaced Bangladesh at next month’s 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. In other news, the India U19 team secured a comprehensive win over New Zealand at the 2026 U19 World Cup in Zimbabwe. 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, January 24. Scotland officially replaces Bangladesh in T20 World Cup 2026 The International Cricket Council (ICC) officially replaced the Bangladesh cricket team with Scotland for the upcoming 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The apex body confirmed the decision after the BCB and the Bangladesh government refused to send the Bangladesh team to India for the showpiece event citing security concerns. Earlier this month, the BCB urged the ICC to relocate their matches to Sri Lanka. While the ICC ignored the BCB’s request, the global body also gave Bangladesh some time to re-consider their stance of boycotting India. Pakistan likely to boycott T20 World Cup as Mohsin Naqvi makes big claim Following Bangladesh’s exit from the 2026 T20 World Cup, several reports are indicating that the Pakistan team might follow suite in support of the BCB. It is worth noting that the PCB was one of the few boards that stood with Bangladesh at the time of their India boycott for the showpiece event. Addressing rumours of a possible T20 World Cup boycott, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has informed sources that any such decision will be determined by the Pakistan government. He said, “Pakistan government will decide the Pakistan team’s participation in the T20 World Cup.” MS Dhoni begins IPL 2026 preparation for CSK MS Dhoni has commenced his preparations for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. The former CSK captain and legendary wicketkeeper-batter was spotted padding up at the nets in Jharkhand, as per a video shared by the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) on social media. In the video, MS Dhoni can even be seen interacting with ex-teammate Saurabh Tiwary before heading off to bat. The 44-year-old was retained by the CSK franchise prior to the IPL 2026 auction late last year. He was retained alongside the likes of captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis among others. Ayush Mhatre, Ambrish help India wallop NZ in U19 World Cup 2026 India U19 annihilated New Zealand U19 by seven wickets and 141 balls to spare (DLS method) in match number 24 of the 2026 ICC U19 World Cup in Bulawayo. Bowling first in a 37-overs-a-side game, RS Ambrish picked up figures of 4-29 while his new ball pace mate Henil Patel (3-23) picked up three wickets as India folded up New Zealand for just 135 in 36.2 overs. In response, attacking opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi charted 40 off 23 balls, and captain Ayush Mhatre compiled 53 from 27 deliveries as India concluded the league stage of the tournament at the top of the Group B points table. Harmanpreet Kaur to lead as BCCI name India squad for AUS Test The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) named a 15-player squad for the India Women’s team for the upcoming one-off Test match against Australia Women. Harmanpreet Kaur is set to continue as Indian captain, with fellow senior pro Smriti Mandhana reprising her role as deputy. The squad also includes several members of India’s 2025 World Cup crusade like Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Deepti Sharma among others. The one-off Test against Australia will be played at the WACA in Perth between March 6 and March 9.
