Former Indian batter Wasim Jaffer, who is often seen as one of the sharpest minds in cricket, made a funny remark about Nepal’s poor performance against Italy in their World Cup match. The same Nepal team had earlier lost to England by just 4 runs while chasing a big total of over 180. But against Italy, they were bowled out for only 123 runs.

Many people on social media were not happy with Jaffer’s comment. They felt the comparison was culturally insensitive and called it racist. The matter spread quickly online and started a wider debate about the use of stereotypes in sports commentary on social media.

The ICC T20 World Cup usually features many high-pressure matches. However, so far the tournament has been quite dull, with many predictable results. In each group, smaller teams have been placed with two strong teams, which has led to mostly one-sided matches.

Also read -Explained: Afghanistan qualification scenario for Super 8 after two straight losses in T20 World Cup 2026

Italy Register Historic Win After Jaffer’s Viral Remark

Wasim Jaffer’s prediction turned out to be correct as Italy outplayed Nepal in their T20 World Cup clash. The former Indian batter shared a humorous post on X after the result, which quickly grabbed attention online.

Read his post below:

Pizza > momos
Looks like the first big upset of the world cup.#NEPvsITA #T20WorldCup2026

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) February 12, 2026

Italy first impressed with the ball. They bowled Nepal out for just 123 runs, despite facing a side that had almost defeated England in their previous match. Nepal’s batting unit failed to settle and kept losing wickets at key moments.

Mosca Brothers Seal the Game in Style

Chasing 124, Italy’s openers Justin Mosca and Anthony Mosca showed great confidence. The two brothers put together an unbeaten stand of 124 runs and finished the match in only 12.4 overs. Italy won by 10 wickets with 44 balls remaining.

Justin scored 60 not out from 44 balls, while Anthony made 62 not out off 32 deliveries. It marked Italy’s first win in a T20 World Cup, making the moment even more special.

Earlier, Italy’s spin attack played a major role. Ben Manenti picked up 2 for 9, while Crishan Kalugamage claimed 3 for 18. Their tight bowling kept Nepal under pressure throughout the innings.

Jaffer’s post later sparked debate on social media, with many users discussing the use of stereotypes in sports comments.

Here are some of the reactions…

Thats racist remark sir

— Multicultured Australian (@Sammydeol46) February 12, 2026

Thats racist remark sir

— Multicultured Australian (@Sammydeol46) February 12, 2026

Brief Scores:
Nepal 123 all out in 19.3 overs (Rohit Paudel 23, Aarif Sheikh 27).
Italy 124/0 in 12.4 overs (Justin Mosca 60*, Anthony Mosca 62*).

Legendary Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer hilariously trolled Pakistan after their sudden U-turn on the boycott threat for the T20 World Cup 2026 match against India. He shared the famous meme “Are tu jaa re” from the Bollywood cult film Hera Pheri to mock the Men in Green.

India and Pakistan are set to face each other in a Group A match at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 15. Earlier, there was uncertainty over the high-profile clash after the Pakistani government hinted at a possible boycott.

However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later withdrew its stance after meetings with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Monday, February 9. With the match now set to be played as scheduled, Wasim Jaffer took a dig at Pakistan by sharing the meme on social media.

Also read -Watch: Sachin Tendulkar gifts his iconic Test jersey to U-19 captain Ayush Mhatre after World Cup 2026 win

Wasim Jaffer’s Post and Match Updates

The former India opener wrote on X, “If you know you know.” His post came after Pakistan’s sudden change in stance, and it quickly caught attention on social media.

If you know you know 😂 #T20WorldCup #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/Rt0Fl8oxgT

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) February 10, 2026

Pakistan began their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a close three-wicket win over the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. They will face the United States of America (USA) at the same venue on Tuesday, February 10. India also won their opening match, beating the USA by 29 runs at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side will now play Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Thursday, February 12.

ICC Confirms IND vs PAK Match

Pakistan confirmed on Monday that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked the team to play the T20 World Cup 2026 match against India. The International Cricket Council (ICC) later issued a statement to confirm that the match will go ahead as planned.

The ICC said that talks with the PCB were held to ensure cooperation and commitment from all members. The council added that all teams will respect their obligations so the tournament can run smoothly. India and Pakistan have faced each other eight times in T20 World Cups, with India leading the head-to-head record 7-1.

Former England Test captain Michael Vaughan did not hold back from trolling Wasim Jaffer after India were swept 2-0 at home by South Africa. Taking to X, Vaughan tagged the former Indian opener and wrote, "Don’t worry. I know how you are feeling." His post came moments after India’s crushing defeat in the Guwahati Test.

India were already in deep trouble while chasing an improbable 549, ending Day 4 at 27/2. On the final day, the hosts folded quickly, losing their remaining eight wickets for just 113 additional runs. This result gave South Africa their first Test series victory on Indian soil in 25 years and was a historic red-ball triumph for the visitors.

Simon Harmer was the star of the series, picking up six wickets in the second innings to finish with 17 wickets at an excellent average of 8.94, earning him the award for Player of the Series. With this loss, India crashed to fifth in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, severely denting their chances of reaching the 2027 WTC final.

Vaughan–Jaffer Banter Continues as India Suffer Heaviest Home Defeat

The trolling wasn’t out of the blue; Jaffer had earlier taken a dig at Vaughan when England were thrashed by Australia within two days in Perth. Vaughan hit back during the Guwahati Test, especially after Marco Jansen dismantled India with a six-wicket haul on Day 3.

Don’t worry @WasimJaffer14 .. I know how you are feeling .. #INDvSA

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 26, 2025

See Also: 'You Can’t Take Cricket for Granted' – Rishabh Pant reflects on India’s 0-2 series loss to South Africa

India’s 408-run defeat in Guwahati stands as their heaviest Test loss by runs at home. South Africa dominated from the start, putting up 489 in the first innings and stretching their control by adding 260 more after choosing not to enforce the follow-on. Ravindra Jadeja fought hard with a 54 off 87 balls, but the rest of India’s batting lineup faltered once again. With this win, Temba Bavuma became only the second South African captain after Hansie Cronje to win a Test series in India.

The former Indian opening batter, Wasim Jaffer, has laughed at the former England captain, Michael Vaughan, as he continues their leg-pulling scandal after the Harry Brook-led side faced a huge and embarrassing defeat against South Africa at Leeds in Headingley, during the opening game of the three-series.

Jaffer posted a picture on social media, which was displayed during the live game by the home broadcaster, Sky Sports. It was on the eighth ODI rank of the 2019 champions at the current stage, as India sits at the top of the table. England didn’t enjoy a healthy time in white-ball cricket during the Champions Trophy 2025 and the ODI World Cup 2023.

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“England at No.8. Surely against the spirit of cricket. ICC should look into this.” Jaffer wrote on his X handle (formerly known as Twitter) and tagged the renowned cricket commentator, Michael Vaughan, who brought that prospect many a time during the recently concluded Test series against India this summer.

Wasim Jaffer takes a jibe at Michael Vaughan after England’s embarrassing defeat

Winning the toss, the Protea captain, Temba Bavuma, decided to bowl first on a surface that he expected to get better for batting under lights in the evening. England’s opening batter, Jamie Smith, fired a fine 54-run knock in just 48 balls at a strike rate of 112.50 with the help of 10 boundaries. But the next best score in the list was 15 by Jos Buttler.

England at No. 8… surely against the spirit of cricket. ICC should look into this. @MichaelVaughan pic.twitter.com/txSFOtJnh0

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) September 3, 2025

They were 82/2 in 13.5 overs before they lost their next eight wickets for just 49 runs in just over 10 overs. Keshav Maharaj ran through the batting line-up of the Three Lions to end with a fine figure of 4/22 in just 5.3 overs. On the other hand, Wiaan Mulder ended with 3/33 in seven overs.

The 121-run opening stand between Aiden Markram and wicket-keeper Ryan Rickelton provided a fine start to the Rainbow Nation in the chase as they completed it with seven wickets in hand and nearly 30 overs to spare. Markram smashed a fine knock of 86 runs in 55 balls at a strike rate of 156.36 with 13 boundaries and a couple of sixes.

The Anderson-Tendulkar trophy is over, but the 'war' between two former international cricketers will continue, declared Wasim Jaffer on social media today (August 5, 2025). With a comedic sense, he said that the reports that USA president Donald Trump has tried to ease the situation between Jaffer and Michael Vaughan are absolutely false; they will continue their rivalry using social media platforms.

"Reports of Donald Trump negotiating a ceasefire between me and @MichaelVaughan are BASELESS and UNTRUE. The social media war will continue. Thank you for your attention to this matter," the former cricketer said.

When India and England locked their horns during the 5-match Test series, the exchange of words between Jaffer and Vaughan on social media was entertaining for cricket fans. The former England captain was confident about England's dominance over the Shubman Gill-led team India. At one point in the series, the host was leading the series by 2-1, and India was under the pressure. Then during the second innings of the final Test of the contest, the boys in the blue brigade turned the stone and made the scoreline 2-2 by winning the thrilling battle at The Oval.

Reports of Donald Trump negotiating a ceasefire between me and @MichaelVaughan are BASELESS and UNTRUE. The social media war will continue. Thank you for your attention to this matter. #ENGvIND

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) August 5, 2025

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Siraj dominated Day 5 

Vaughan predicted that England would win the series, which proved wrong. Throughout the series, Vaughan and Jaffer exchanged words and cheeky social media posts with each other in a friendly manner. Jaffer had the last laugh as India did not lose the series.

India, coached by Gautam Gambhir, won the 5th game by a 6-run margin. Mohammed Siraj produced his career-best Test performance, well accompanied by Prasidh Krishna. Jasprit Bumrah was not a part of the match; on the other corner, Ben Stokes was sidelined due to injury. Without multiple stars, the England vs India 5th Test did not lack any spark. 

The former Indian opening batter, Wasim Jaffer, has revealed his playing eleven for the Blue Brigade ahead of the fifth Test of the five-match series against England at the Kennington Oval in South London. He has retained the same top three for the side, as KL Rahul has found his rhythm after a century at Lord’s and 90 at Old Trafford.

Sai Suhdarsan has held his place in the side, despite getting a first-ball duck in Manchester during the second innings. The southpaw scored a fine half-century in the first innings of the game, as captain Shubman Gill undoubtedly secured fourth place. With Rishabh Pant getting ruled out of the contest, Jaffer has shown his trust in Dhruv Jurel.

See Also: [WATCH] Gautam Gambhir under pressure ahead of ENG vs IND 5th Test at Kennington Oval? India's batting coach comments

Jurel kept wickets at Lord’s and Manchester due to injury. However, the right-handed batter will now take full part at Oval as he looked in fine touch during the two India-A games before the start of the series. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar can’t be dropped after their fabulous performance in Manchester.

Wasim Jaffer picks India’s playing XI against England during 5th Test at Kennington Oval

The entire world kept asking for Kuldeep Yadav in the Test series. But the wrist spinner didn’t get his chance. Jaffer has brought the Uttar Pradesh-born in place of Shardul Thakur, whose batting wasn’t needed much besides his poor bowling in Manchester.

Jasprit Bumrah, reportedly, has been ruled out of the Oval Test with injury, and that has been a brutal blow for the Blue Brigade. They will now have to go with Mohammed Siraj, despite the latter looking tired by the end of the fourth game. Jaffer has held the Hyderabad-born in the side.

He feels that the left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh should get his debut in the longest format, while the management would bring Akash Deep for the contest. The Bengal pacer missed the last game due to a side strain injury he picked up at Lord’s.

Wasim Jaffer’s India XI for ENG vs IND 5th Test at Kennington Oval, London

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shuman Gill (captain), Dhruv Jurel (wk..), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep

An interesting battle has been going on outside the field; it is another England vs. India. But the battle is between only two—two former cricketers, now cricket experts.

Before the ongoing 5-match Test series between the host England and the visiting side India, former England captain Michael Vaughan predicted that the home team would outclass the Shubman Gill-led side by a handsome margin. Now, as England got their desired start in the series, Vaughan is now oozing with extra confidence.

Evening @WasimJaffer14 .. Hope you are ok .. #1-0

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 24, 2025

He tagged former India opener Wasim Jaffer on social media platform 'X' to give a gentle reminder that England is currently leading the race by 1-0 after the Headingley Test. Now, Vaughan's '1-0' post seems like it has ignited a battle of worlds in the digital medium. Jaffer did not hold himself back, and in reply he responded to the former England international, "Happy that a young Indian team got you worried like this. Enjoy the win, Michael; we'll be back."

Could be 4-0 now Wasim .. 😜 https://t.co/RXsmxGdZYd

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 24, 2025

Read More: "You need to press more” - Former India all-rounder’s blunt criticism of Ravindra Jadeja in ENG vs IND 2025 1st Test

Only team India can deliver the ultimate reply 

It'll be wrong to think that here the battle of worlds between these two has finished. At least Vaughan is not in the mood to let it go. He again created a post with a more intense statement: Could be 4-0 now, Wasim. 

Before the beginning of the series, the ex-cricketer predicted in a video that England could win the series by 3-1. Though, he expressed high hopes around the newly shaped team India, even without Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin. 

Ranji Trophy, India's prominent domestic First-Class tournament, is widely regarded as the pathway to the Indian squad for all aspiring cricketers across the country. In every period, Indian cricket has been blessed with brilliant cricketers from all game sectors. However, as the saying goes, skill alone will not allow a cricketer to thrive in life. To succeed in international cricket, in addition to skill, one must have the appropriate temperament, luck, and support from team management and selectors. 

Recently, prominent players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ravindra Jadeja have been among those who have used the Ranji Trophy as a platform to fine-tune their game. This article focuses on five players who rose to popularity via their Ranji Trophy performances. Still, when given the opportunity to play on the international stage, they could not unleash their full potential, leading them to get neglected by the Indian squad. 

The Ranji Trophy has been one of the foundation stones that has helped the Indian Cricket Team produce some impeccable and wholesome talent ever since the National team's inception. In the recent timeline, this domestic tournament has come under the spectator's radar as many prominent and experienced international campaigners are playing this tournament in order to warm up and get back to groom with their basic game through their well-versed Indian conditions.

Teams like England and Australia have current players with innumerable domestic experiences helping in their team successes; several Indian campaigners have started following that path, with the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravindra Jadeja being one of the few. This listicle will look at the top five batters who have scored the most runs across the Ranji Trophy tournament's timeline. 

In the T20I series, Bangladesh defeated world champion England 3-0, winning the final match in Dhaka by 16 runs.

Bangladesh beat England in the T20I series by a historic score of 3-0 on Tuesday

The Shakib Al Hasan-drove side staggered the title holders, enrolling a 16-run dominate in the last match of the series as Britain neglected to pursue down a 159-run focus in Dhaka. After a 3-0 victory over the English team in 2014 under the leadership of George Bailey, this was England’s first T20I series defeat in nine years. In the shortest format of the game, this was Bangladesh’s first whitewash against a full member nation.

Wasim Jaffer, the batting consultant for the Bangladesh U19 team, sent a vicious tweet about former England captain Michael Vaughan following their crushing victory. Over the past few years, Jaffer and Vaughan had been tweeting jokes.

As a result, Bangladesh’s strong home performances in limited-overs formats have continued. In the lead-up to the T20 World Cup last year, the team had defeated Australia (4-1) and New Zealand (3-2) in the T20I series, as well as India 2-1 in the ODI series in December.

“We talked about showing character ahead of the series and that’s what we showed, We were put into a tough position but won the game. That’s the thing that will give us the confidence as we are building a team for the 2024 T20 World Cup.

” Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan said after their win over England. 

On a slow Mirpur surface, opener Liton Das scored a career-high 73 runs, and Najmul Hossain Shanto’s unbeaten 47 runs helped Bangladesh score 158-2. Before being run out in consecutive deliveries, captain Jos Buttler and Dawid Malan had England on track to avoid being swept. In the end, England fell to 142-6 in 20 overs.

The English team did win the ODI series against Bangladesh last month, winning 2-1, but the hosts won the series finale by 50 runs. On March 18, when it hosts Ireland, the team led by Shakib will resume play in the game’s shortest format.