Sports Bulletin January 15: BPL Boycott, Ro-Ko backed to Win World Cup, Real Madrid suffer humiliation

In the world of sports, a number of fresh developments have occurred in the last 24 hours. Bangladeshi players have boycotted BPL, while Rohit Sharma's coach Dinesh Lad has backed Ro-Ko to win the World Cup in 2027 and retire only after that.

1. Bangladesh players boycott BPL match

Bangladesh Premier League's opener between Chattogram Royals and Noakhali Express on January 15, 2026, at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium faced an indefinite delay as players boycotted, demanding BCB director M Nazmul Islam's resignation. His controversial remarks criticizing cricketers' performance and loyalty sparked outrage from the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), led by Mohammad Mithun, who vowed no play without action. The BCB issued a 48-hour show-cause notice to Nazmul, distancing itself, but players rejected assurances, halting the match and Dhaka League games too.

2. Rohit, Virat will win World Cup and Retire, says Dinesh Lad

Dinesh Lad, Rohit Sharma's childhood coach from Mumbai, firmly supports Rohit and Virat Kohli playing the 2027 ODI World Cup, predicting they will win it before retiring. Dismissing critics calling for their end post-T20I and Test retirements, Lad highlights Rohit's Player of the Series in Australia and Kohli's century against New Zealand.

3. New Zealand level series in Rajkot

New Zealand chased down India's 284/7 with a commanding 7-wicket victory in the Rajkot ODI on January 14, 2026, leveling the series 1-1. Daryl Mitchell's masterful unbeaten 131 off 117 balls, featuring elegant drives and scoops, powered the chase, highlighted by a match-winning scoop four. Will Young's 87 formed a crucial 162-run third-wicket stand with Mitchell, overcoming India's spin attack led by Michael Bracewell's 3/56. KL Rahul's gritty 112 anchored India's innings after early losses. NZ finished at 286/3 in 47.3 overs.

4. Washington Sundar ruled out of NZ T20I series

Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the T20I series against New Zealand with a side strain. The all-rounder faced an injury in the first ODI and was ruled out of the ODI series. And now, it has been confirmed that the Chennai-born won't play any part in the T20I series as well. For the ODI series, Ayush Badoni has been named as replacement, while a replacement for the T20I encounters is yet to be named.

5. Real Madrid crash out of Copa del Rey

Real Madrid suffered a humiliating 3-2 defeat to second-division Albacete in the Copa del Rey round of 16 on January 14, 2026, at Estadio Carlos Belmonte. Albacete struck first via Javi Villar's header before Franco Mastantuono equalized from a rebound. Substitute Jefte Betancor restored the lead in the 82nd minute, only for Gonzalo García to head level in the 91st. Betancor sealed the upset with a 94th-minute lob, eliminating new coach Álvaro Arbeloa's side amid fog and controversy over rested stars.

6. Arsenal beat Chelsea in Carabao Cup Semifinal 1st Leg

Arsenal secured a 3-2 victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. Ben White headed the opener from a corner in the 7th minute, followed by Viktor Gyökeres tapping in Arsenal's second early in the second half off a goalkeeper error. Chelsea fought back with Alejandro Garnacho's brace-first drilling home at the back post, then volleying a late second to keep hopes alive. Martín Zubimendi's goal proved to be the North London club's winner.

7. Sathiyan, Manush exit from WTT Star Contender Doha

Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Manush Shah both have been knocked out of the WTT Star Contender Men's Singles event in Doha. The two Indian paddlers struggled in the Round of 32 matches and suffered defeats to crash out of the tournament. Manush recently won the WTT Feeder series in Vadodara.

8. Mohammed Siraj named Hyderabad captain

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj has been appointed captain of Hyderabad for the remaining Ranji Trophy 2025-26 matches, succeeding injured Tilak Varma. G Rahul Singh serves as vice-captain, with Hyderabad (4th in Elite Group D) facing Mumbai on Jan 22 and Chhattisgarh on Jan 29 at home. Siraj, yet to play this season but boasts 77 FC wickets for Hyderabad at 24.29 avg, brings international experience from 45 Tests.