Sports Bulletin January 5: IPL banned in Bangladesh, Man City and Liverpool held in Premier League

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Here's a look at the top stories across the world of Sports on Janyary 5. Bangladesh may play T20 World Cup outside India, while IPL is banned in Bangladesh for indefinite years. Man City, Liverpool also held in the Premier League.

ICC may allow Bangladesh to shift venue

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has formally asked the ICC to relocate all its group-stage matches in the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup 2026 from India to Sri Lanka, citing player safety concerns amid escalating diplomatic tensions. This follows the BCCI's directive to release pacer Mustafizur Rahman from Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2026. The ICC is reviewing the request, with logistical challenges noted due to the tournament starting in February. Bangladesh's fixtures were originally set for Kolkata and Mumbai.

Bangladesh Government Bans IPL Broadcast

In a sharp escalation of tensions, the Bangladesh government has indefinitely banned the telecast and promotion of IPL 2026 matches across the country. The decision stems from outrage over Mustafizur Rahman's release from KKR on BCCI instructions, linked to concerns over minority safety in Bangladesh. All channels and radio stations have been directed to suspend IPL coverage until further notice, marking another strain in Indo-Bangla cricketing ties.

Shubman Gill Calls for 15-Day Prep Camps Before Test Series

India Test captain Shubman Gill has urged the BCCI to organise mandatory 15-day red-ball camps ahead of every Test series to improve preparation. This comes after recent home whitewashes against New Zealand and South Africa exposed itinerary issues. Gill emphasised better readiness in discussions with selectors, with the board considering VVS Laxman to oversee camps amid a packed calendar.

Shreyas Iyer Set to Lead Mumbai in Vijay Hazare Trophy

Shreyas Iyer has been named Mumbai captain for the remaining Vijay Hazare Trophy league matches, replacing injured Shardul Thakur, who is ruled out with a calf strain. Returning from a three-month spleen injury layoff, Iyer's leadership boosts Mumbai's knockout hopes. The team also welcomes Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube for crucial games against Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.

Man City Held 1-1 at Home by Managerless Chelsea

Manchester City's title push faltered as Enzo Fernandez's stoppage-time equaliser earned managerless Chelsea a 1-1 draw at the Etihad. Tijjani Reijnders opened for City, but Chelsea, under interim Calum McFarlane, fought back late. The result leaves City six points behind leaders Arsenal after back-to-back draws.

Liverpool Drop Points After 97th-Minute Fulham Stunner

Liverpool conceded a dramatic 97th-minute equaliser from Harrison Reed's 30-yard screamer, drawing 2-2 at Fulham. Cody Gakpo thought he had won it in the 94th minute, but Reed's wondergoal denied the champions. Florian Wirtz had levelled earlier for Liverpool, who remain in the top-four hunt despite the late blow.

Manchester United Sack Ruben Amorim

Manchester United have dismissed head coach Ruben Amorim after just 14 months, following a public outburst criticising recruitment and a power struggle with the hierarchy. The decision came after Sunday's 1-1 draw at Leeds left United sixth. Under-18s coach Darren Fletcher takes interim charge ahead of Wednesday's game at Burnley.