RCB Women and Rishabh Pant [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x, AFP]The RCB Women, led by Smriti Mandhana, won the WPL 2026 season by defeating Delhi Capitals in a high-scoring final. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Shammi Silva sent out an official warning to the Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB regarding their T20 World Cup 2026 boycott of India. In other news, Rishabh Pant shared an inspiring message for the India U19 team before their 2026 World Cup final. 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 Thursday, February 5. Sri Lanka Cricket urges Pakistan to reconsider India boycott Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Shammi Silva has reportedly written a strong letter to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). As per reports, the Sri Lanka official has urged PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi to reconsider Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group A boycott of India. Silva explained the consequences of Pakistan’s non-participation in the impending big-ticket match, warning the board of dire financial repercussions. Earlier this month, the Pakistan government barred the Pakistan team from facing India at the showpiece event on political grounds. Suryakumar Yadav confirms India’s participation against Pakistan India captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed that the defending champions will travel to Colombo for their impending 2026 T20 World Cup Group A match against Pakistan on February 15. While speaking with the reporters, the cricketer said that the Indian team will be following all of ICC’s scheduling protocols, and will take field at the time of the match, regardless of Pakistan’s boycott. It is worth noting that if the Pakistan government does not change its stance of boycotting India, the ‘Men in Blue’ will be rewarded with the two points on offer. Rachin Ravindra misses USA warm-up for New Zealand Rachin Ravindra was ruled out of New Zealand’s warm-up match of the 2026 T20 World Cup against USA. Head coach Rob Walter confirmed the development on the day of the match, stating that a viral illness has spread through the New Zealand camp. Earlier it was reported that top-order batter Devon Conway will also have to miss the crucial practise game. However, the prolific left-hander took field and scored 16 off 13 balls at the top of the order. New Zealand ended up edging out a spirited USA side by mere seven runs in a high-scoring cracker at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Rishabh Pant shares inspiring message for India U19 before final Senior India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has shared an inspiring message for the India U19 team a day before their 2026 ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup final. Taking to X, the cricketer urged Ayush Mhatre and co. to “enjoy the occasion” and play the final with dedication to bring the cup home. It is worth noting that India reached the final of the 2026 ICC U19 World Cup on a trail of an unbeaten run, similar to that of England. The high-octane tournament conclusion between the two sides will be played on February 6 at the iconic Harare Sports Club in Harare. Smriti Mandhana leads RCB to WPL 2026 win RCB Women pipped Delhi Capitals in a thrilling last-over cracker to lift the WPL 2026 title. Chasing 204 on a big night in Vadodara, captain Smriti Mandhana compiled 87 off 41 balls and Georgia Voll made 79 from 54 balls as the two cricketers shared a huge 165-run stand for the second wicket. Overcoming Capitals’ late fightback, Nadine de Klerk and Radha Yadav notched up the winning runs together with two balls and six wickets to spare. The outcome marked RCB’s second WPL title in the last three editions of the tournament.
