Nothing elevates a present like beautiful wrapping; and when it comes to achieving a professional-level finish, who better to turn to for advice than one of the UK’s leading gift-wrapping experts?
When Jane Means started her own gift-wrapping business 31 years ago after spotting a gap in the market for such a service, it was an art that was rather undervalued in the UK. Now, she employs a team of 20 and offers gift-wrapping courses online and in person. She has also wrapped for the royal household and a host of luxury brands including Dior, Ralph Lauren and Tiffany and has launched her own line in wrapping paper, ribbons, tags and tape.
With Valentine’s Day approaching, we asked for her expert tips for wrapping any shape of present. For the low-down, see Jane’s step-by-step guides below.
It looks like something out of a fairytale and attracts weekly visits from a celebrity
09:42, 07 Feb 2026Updated 09:53, 07 Feb 2026
It’s easy to see why this market town was named the best place to live in the UK. It’s got cobbled streets, Tudor buildings, colourful timber-framed houses, a bustling market square and a range of independent businesses. I visited after several days of rain but the sun appeared just as I arrived. I walked through the town chatting with locals enjoying the sunshine in the market square, exploring independent shops and admiring the timber-framed houses.
Just a half hour’s drive from Cambridge, this historic Essex town was named the best place to live in the UK by The Sunday Times in March 2025, topping a shortlist of 72 locations. Judges considered schools, transport, broadband speeds, mobile signals, access to green spaces, and the quality of the high street.
In stark contrast to so many dwindling high streets found across the country, the town appears to be thriving with its bustling twice-weekly markets and a town centre that is estimated to be home to over 200 independent shops, cafés and restaurants. In 2024, the high street was also named among Britain’s top 32 by experts from Cheffins estate agents.
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The town hosts its market on Tuesdays and Saturdays, a tradition dating back to 1141, and it’s a favourite spot for celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and his son River, with the celebrity chef having spoken in the past of visiting every Saturday. The TV star spoke highly of the community spirit and variety of produce at Saffron Walden Market, which was voted Best Small Outdoor Market in 2018.
He previously said: “I’m so lucky to have one of the best markets right on my doorstep. Saffron Walden is an absolute treasure trove of artisan suppliers, from Dan at Crystal Waters fishmongers to Saffron Wholefoods making incredible ingredients.
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“Going every Saturday morning is the highlight of mine and River’s week – he loves it even more than me! We look at what’s in season, what looks good and what’s crying out to be cooked up! It’s a great way to connect with the local community and support the best of the best. I couldn’t love my local market more, make sure you go out and support yours.”
Felicity Norton, who has lived in Saffron Walden for more than 35 years, said the town’s charm has never faded. She said: “I’ve always loved Saffron Walden. It’s changed over the years, but it’s still a lovely, quiet little town.”
The town’s sense of place is rooted in both its history and stunning surroundings, from the grand stateliness of Audley End House and Gardens to peaceful walks through Bridge End Garden, a beautiful restored Victorian garden.
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The market town’s roots stretch back to at least the Neolithic period, evolving through a Romano-British settlement and an Anglo-Saxon community before expanding under the Normans into a thriving medieval market centre, later gaining wealth and its distinctive name from the flourishing saffron industry of the 15th and 16th centuries.
Despite challenges facing high streets nationwide, Saffron Walden continues to attract a mix of independent retailers alongside well-known names such as Holland & Barrett. While some much-loved businesses and banks have closed over time, the town has welcomed a wave of new ventures bringing fresh energy.
Locals highlighted beloved stores including Between the Lines, Harts Bookshop, Talents gift shop and a number of independent clothing boutiques. Organic coffee shops like Esquires and Chater’s, a bakery, restaurant and cafe which even has its own on-site distillery, are among the places to stop and linger.
We were told by many local business owners that Chater’s must not be missed and that Oliver often goes there. It is known for its bold, seasonal cooking using the best local ingredients.
Among Ms Norton’s favourite spots is Neon Leo, described as “such a fun shop – they sell really different things in there”. Neon Leo is a rental and pre-loved fashion store founded by best friends Mandy Weetch and Abigail North in 2023. Located on Market Row, the shop is truly a world of its own, filled with colour, laughter and positivity. When entering the store, customers are greeted with a beautiful selection of clothing, sequins, glitter balls and art. Ms Weetch told the Express: “Saffron Walden’s got a huge amount of independent businesses.”
Ms North added: “The community is really active. People want to be part of it, whether you’re a business owner or a customer. We’ve never experienced that anywhere else.”
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The pair said the town’s collaborative atmosphere sets it apart, with independent shops actively supporting one another and they also highlighted how Oliver comes every weekend to support local traders. Neon Leo hosts events emphasising confidence and self-expression through fashion, a movement they’ve dubbed “fashionism,” celebrating the power of women dressing how they want and defying outdated style rules, whether through small accessories or statement pieces. “Ultimately, you should wear what you want, wear what you love,” Ms Weetch said.
Burtons Butchers is also beloved by local residents. The longstanding family-run shop serves premium meat products to customers, restaurants, hotels, and catering companies across East Anglia.
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Since 2010, more than 1,000 butchers have closed across the UK, and the number of butchers in the UK has generally been shrinking in recent years, according to data sources such as Statista. The town also has a fishmongers, a beautiful independent bookshop and a library.
Burtons Butchers was established in 1984 and serves a range of meats including venison sausages and local pork, beef and chicken sausages.
Andrew Northrop, manager of Burtons Butchers, said on market days there’s a great bustle, a “great energy” and “enthusiasm” from people for their town. “People like to see it do well and wish to support,” he added. Jamie Oliver often buys meat from the butchers and comes in with his family. They are proud to be his supplier and enjoy seeing him and having a chat.
Mr Norhtrop added: “You have to enjoy what you do, and when you’re passionate about it and enthusiastic people respond to that, and enjoy coming in here and the experience of coming in.”
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Combining strong transport links to London and Cambridge, centuries of history and a high street that continues to defy the odds, Saffron Walden’s top ranking makes perfect sense.
The girl’s mother was sentenced for turning a blind eye to what was happening in the family home for years.
Three generations of a family have been jailed for sexually abusing a young girl in her own home that started when she was just six years old. Her father, grandfather and two brothers were convicted of the horrific offences at Hove Crown Court.
The girl’s mother has also been locked up after the court heard she battered her daughter, locked her in a cupboard and taped her mouth up after she spoke out about the abuse. The girl’s sister was also physically abused by the family.
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Now a teenager, the victim said she remembered being attacked from the age of six, including being repeatedly raped by her father and two brothers and sexually assaulted by her grandfather. The Mirror reports that she was burnt with cigarettes, beaten with a horse whip and spat on, the court heard.
She also had any money given to her on special occasions snatched by her mother. The horrific catalogue of abuse was revealed when the youngster was age 12 and told her teacher about what was happening to her and she was too afraid to go home.
She told police: “I told how my parents keep abusing me and they’ve been doing it for years. Then I started explaining all the sexual stuff.”
The family members cannot be named due to legal reasons. The father, 43, was convicted of five counts of rape of a child under 13; one count of sexual assault by penetration of a child under 13; three counts of sexual assault of a child under 13; one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and three counts of cruelty to a person under 16.
The mother, also 43, was found guilty of four counts of cruelty to a person under 16; two counts of false imprisonment and one count of perverting the course of justice.
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The grandfather, 70, was convicted of one count of sexual assault by penetration of a child under 13 and two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13. The older brother, 23, was found guilty of four counts of rape of a child under 13; one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The younger brother, 20, was convicted of four counts of rape of a child under 13; two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13; one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
They have been jailed for a combined total of more than 100 years.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Harbour previously said: “This has been a complex investigation that has had a profound impact on the two victims. Our priority continues to be ensuring their welfare and safeguarding in this highly traumatic and distressing case.
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“We have worked alongside partner agencies to ensure the ongoing safeguarding of the young victims. Tackling violence against women and girls is a top priority for Sussex Police. We encourage all victims of rape and serious sexual offences to report their experience to us.
“Our officers have been determined to get justice in this case, and we are pleased with the guilty verdicts returned by the jury. We urge the public not to speculate about the case online as this may jeopardise the victims’ legal right to anonymity.”
Katie Price is said to be ignoring concerns from her family about new husband Lee Andrews – and reportedly wants to reunite with him in time for Valentine’s Day
Katie Price is reportedly flying back out to Dubai this weekend to be reunited with her new husband Lee Andrews – against the wishes of her family.
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The 47-year-old took to Instagram to reveal she was getting her hair and lips done in preparation – as well as having filler in her bum, that she said was not a BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift). Showing off the results of her latest procedures, Katie told her 2.7 million followers: “Hey everyone, so I’ve just had my lips done – and just had a check up on my bum.”
Panning the camera down to her tattooed derriere that had a plaster on it, Katie continued: “It’s looking really good, I’m really pleased with it and it’s healing very well – no it’s not a BBL, it is just filler.” In another snap, Katie was sat in the hairdresser’s chair cuddling one of her hairless cats. She wrote over the top: “Hair dye time.”
It’s been two weeks since Katie shocked fans by walking down the aisle with a mystery man – in the fourth time she’s tied the knot – who was later revealed to be 41-year-old Lee. The pair tied the knot within days of their engagement after apparently meeting through social media.
Claims have since emerged that ‘businessman’ Lee has reportedly swindled his exes out of money in the past – and was referred to by one person the Mirror has spoken to as a ‘scammer’ of the highest degree.
But Katie hasn’t commented on the bad press around her new husband and is said to be planning to get on a plane within days, so she is reunited with him in time for Valentine’s Day. They are even said to be planning their honeymoon following their quickie wedding on January 25, with Lee talking openly about his upcoming ‘honeymoon’ on videos posted to his Instagram stories.
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A source told The Sun: “Katie’s family and friends are so concerned about her relationship with Lee – but she isn’t listening. They do not want her to go back to Dubai, but she has confirmed that she is leaving today.
“Katie doesn’t want to be away from Lee over Valentine’s Day and said they are planning a honeymoon. Her family have read reports about Lee and are so concerned about Katie’s welfare. She has insisted he is a good man though and is sticking by him.” Last week, The Mirror exclusively reported that Lee spent time in custody in a Dubai prison just months before proposing to Katie after a whirlwind romance in which she referred to him as her ‘Richard Gere’ in a reference to the film Pretty Woman, also starring Julia Roberts.
A week on from their romantic nuptials, a fellow Brit who says he shared a cell with Lee for three weeks in October last year warned Katie to be very wary of her new love.
The source told us: “Katie Price’s wedding is just another of his scams. All I can say is, I really hope she made him sign a pre-nup. He was a compulsive bulls***ter inside. But even now, he’s saying he’s part of the Labour Party and friends with Elon Musk. I can’t prove it, but for me that’s just absolutely absurd.” He’s also said to have ‘begged’ inmates for cash – despite his self-proclaimed billionaire status.
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Since he was announced at Katie’s new husband last month, Lee has been under even more scrutiny as former girlfriend’s have come forward – with one even claiming they received an ‘identical’ marriage proposal to the one he did for Katie just a few months ago. And it’s thought Lee is currently unable to leave Dubai as he’s on a travel ban after serving time in prison for forging his ex-girlfriend’s signature to land a £200,000 loan, according to reports. Though Lee later denied these claims.
Laws in parts of the Middle East stops people involved in active criminal and civil cases – including unpaid debts – from leaving the country. Lee had hoped to jet in Britain to meet Katie’s family and spend time with his new wife. But he was furious at the red tape and labelled the decision to keep him in Dubai as “complete b******s”.
Though Lee has denied this and told the Daily Mail: “I don’t know what this is, with the debts and lawsuits, and I’ve got good equity here. There’s no substance. My UAE bank account details and latest statement far exceeds £200,000, so it makes no sense that I would owe that or be on a travel ban for it because they would take it automatically if that was the case.” When contacted by the Mirror, Lee denied all the allegations against him.
The hamlet is believed to have been where a battle took place involving William the Conqueror.
Hidden within the Fenlands is a small hamlet where only over 200 people live. Fenland is a large marshy region in the East of England.
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Cambridgeshire has many Fenland towns including March, Whittlesey, Chatteris, and Wisbech, which is known as the ‘capital of the Fens’. However, alongside these bigger towns is the tiny hamlet of Aldreth.
Located near Haddenham, Aldreth is home to only 260 people. The fens surround it, and it is also close to the River Great Ouse.
Its name derives from a combination of the Old English words ‘alder’ and ‘hythe’, meaning landing-place by the alders. It is thought Aldreth was the site of a battle between Hereward the Wake with the Anglo-Saxons and William the Conqueror with the Normans.
Through Aldreth runs the Aldreth Causeway. This is an ancient pathway that begins at the foot of Enchanted Hill and descends onto Aldreth High Street.
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In 1071, William the Conqueror led a campaign against the Isle of Ely. It’s believed Aldreth Causeway was the route William may have taken in his assault against the Isle of Ely. Today, the causeway is a path used by walkers and dog walkers.
For anyone who thinks of buying a home in Aldreth, they range in price from as little as £200,000, to some houses costing over £1 million.
Those who already live in Aldreth will enjoy local events such as the annual village open day. Known as Blossoms and Bygones, Aldreth hosts this day alongside neighbouring Haddenham.
The event includes tractor rides, vintage cars, and open gardens. On the event’s 40th anniversary in 2011, people dressed up in 1940s costumes as it had a VE Day theme.
Ounsley said that when her character revealed George’s hearing loss, she felt like she was speaking to her parents, and shared: “I was so young, so I wasn’t aware of this experience, only through what my mum and dad have told me.
“I don’t think I realised how emotional it felt for them in that moment in time. It was quite bizarre to be in that position.
“But even more so, I think it’s why I put more heart into it, because it felt quite real. Hopefully that comes across in the episode, to the parents and kids watching it.”
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The history of Peppa Pig and how long it has been running for
Peppa Pig first aired in 2004 and has become a global phenomenon, broadcast in over 180 territories and in over 40 languages.
The show focuses on the life of Peppa, her parents, Daddy Pig and Mummy Pig, her little brother George, and her baby sister Evie, who was born last May.
The new hearing loss storyline was developed in collaboration with the National Deaf Children’s Society and will air on Milkshake from March 9.
Recommended reading :
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Peppa Pig was co-created by Neville Astley and Mark Baker of the animation studio Astley Baker Davies.
The brand has since inspired theme parks in the UK and abroad and has featured on collectable Royal Mail stamps.
In 2019, the show was acquired by toy company Hasbro following its purchase of Entertainment One’s portfolio.
Connor Richard Lacey Ham, 31 of Nattrass Walk in Bedale was arrested during the early hours of Sunday, December 21.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said officers on proactive drink and drug drive patrols attempted to stop Ham driving a Mercedes Benz A-class at 3.55am that morning in the village of Kirklington-cum-Upsland.
The spokesperson said: “Traffic Constable Michael Mcvay TC Mcvay pursued Ham during which he went on the wrong side of the carriageway and exceeded 100mph towards Ripon.
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“Ham went around the Hutton Bank roundabout in Ripon before he headed back on the A61 towards the A1.
“A stinger device was set up and used to puncture the tyres on the Mercedes but despite this Ham continued to drive.
“He eventually was forced to stop when he collided with a police vehicle which caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.
“The Mercedes was boxed in on the roundabout at Junction 50 of the A1(M) which is when Ham was finally detained by officers.
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“He was arrested for failing to provide, dangerous driving and failing to stop for the police.”
“In custody he blew 76microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath which exceeded the prescribed limit.
“He was charged with dangerous driving and driving over the prescribed limit.”
Ham appeared before York Crown Court yesterday (Friday, February 6) where he was sentenced for driving a motor vehicle when above the legal limit and dangerous driving.
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He was sent to prison for 12 months and received a driving ban for two years and six months.
Speaking after the sentencing, Traffic Constable Michael Mcvay from North Yorkshire Police said: “Day in day out people drive whilst intoxicated, it’s not only dangerous but truly selfish.
“Ham drove dangerously at speed whilst over the drink drive limit with no regard for the safety of other road users.
“This reckless behaviour could have harmed innocent motorists causing long lasting trauma across our communities.
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“The defendant is very lucky that no one was seriously injured due to his dangerous driving in the early hours of that morning.
“There is simply no excuse for dangerous driving and we will continue to be relentless in our approach to intercepting those who puts the lives of other motorists in danger.”
The name of the victim is being withheld until her next of kin has been informed.
Lee, a first-round draft pick for the New York Jets in 2016, last played in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills in 2020.
His four-year deal with the Jets was cut short by a year in 2019, when he left the franchise because of disciplinary problems and poor form.
Lee was part of the Kansas City Chiefs’ roster that won the Super Bowl in 2020, although he did not feature in the match.
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He signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in June 2021 but did not play before his release two months later.
Lee was arrested in 2023 for assault and domestic violence. The arrest report said he pushed a woman “against the wall, throwing her to the floor and striking her face and head eight to nine times with his closed fists”.
Coronation Street legend Beverly Callard has revealed she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The 68-year-old, who has relocated to Ireland to star in Dublin-based soap Fair City, shared how she was diagnosed with the disease just 20 minutes before she was due to film her first scenes.
The Liz McDonald star appeared on RTE’s Late Late Show on Friday (6 January) and shared the news with host Patrick Kielty.
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She reassured him: “I am fine, I am absolutely fine.
“My head was a bit mashed for the first dew days.”
The actor said the cancer is in the “very early stages” and that she will return to the UK for an operation and radiotherapy.
Cricket’s most profitable tournament is set to start this weekend in a significantly diminished form, bereft of both a major qualifying nation and the single biggest fixture in terms of the potential viewership it can attract.
A complicated mesh of diplomatic disputes among the South Asian nations involved, including co-hosts India, mean the T20 Cricket World Cup begins on Saturday under a shadow of geopolitical turmoil.
It all began with Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the tournament, kicked out by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and replaced by the next-closest team to qualifying in Scotland. Bangladesh had refused to play any of their scheduled fixtures in India and demanded they be moved to co-hosts Sri Lanka, a request that was rejected.
Then, Pakistan announced that they would not play their group-stage match against arch-rivals India, due to take place in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo on 15 February. No reason was initially given, but Pakistan’s prime minister has since confirmed this was in solidarity with Bangladesh.
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These developments have put the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at the centre of a dispute blending geopolitics, commercial power, and long-running grievances about how world cricket is run.
Pakistan’s players unveil ICC T20 World Cup 2026 jersey after their match against Australia at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on 1 February 2026 (Getty)
Bangladesh’s withdrawal followed a formal request to move its scheduled matches to Sri Lanka, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) citing security concerns for its team and fans amid escalating political tensions between it and India.
Relations have dramatically deteriorated in the past 18 months since street protests brought down the Sheikh Hasina regime in 2024 and compelled the former prime minister, an ally of India, to flee to Delhi. India has ignored Dhaka’s requests for Hasina’s extradition to Bangladesh, where she has been found guilty of crimes against humanity.
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Since Hasina’s government collapsed, India and India-based rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns over the safety of members of the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. In December, a Hindu man accused of blasphemy was beaten to death by a mob, triggering protests by Hindu nationalist groups in India.
Against this political backdrop, the Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders released Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman in January after being instructed to do so by the BCCI.
Bangladeshi authorities responded by banning broadcasts of the IPL in their country.
The BCB then renewed its request for their team’s matches to be shifted out of India.
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Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman during the T20 World Cup match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Grand Prairie, Texas, on 7 June 2024 (AP)
The ICC rejected the request on the grounds of an “absence of any credible security threat”, and gave Bangladesh 24 hours to confirm its participation.
The Independent understands that no efforts were made to provide proof of the security threat faced by Bangladesh’s team, and when the deadline passed, Scotland were invited to take the vacant place. The governing body said it was keen not to establish “precedents that could undermine the neutrality and fairness of ICC events”.
Pakistan initially indicated they might withdraw entirely in response to Bangladesh’s removal. They later confirmed participation but said their team would not play India. Pakistan’s government said it had granted “approval” for the team to compete in the tournament but that players “shall not take to the field” against their arch-rivals.
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The India-Pakistan fixture has historically been the most-watched and commercially valuable match in global cricket. More than 600 million people watched on the Indian streaming platform JioHotstar when the teams met in last year’s Champions Trophy.
Cricketing ties between the two neighbours have been shaped by decades of conflict. They have not played a bilateral series since 2013, and India have not toured Pakistan since 2008.
Pakistan did not host any touring nations between 2009 and 2019 following an attack on Sri Lanka’s team bus in Lahore that killed six policemen and two civilians.
Pakistani players have been barred from the IPL since the 2009 Mumbai attacks, which left 174 people dead.
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Last year, India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, eventually playing their matches in the UAE.
That led to an agreement stating that when either country hosted an ICC event, matches between them would be held at neutral venues.
India celebrate their Asia Cup Final victory against Pakistan in Dubai on 28 September 2025 (Getty)
Tensions between the neighbours escalated in the wake of a four-day military conflict last April, sparked by a militant attack on tourists in the Indian-administered part of Kashmir.
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At the Asia Cup in September, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav declared that his team’s victory in the final was a “perfect reply” to Pakistan.
His team skipped post-match handshakes, later saying: “A few things in life are above sportsman’s spirit.”
Match officials later confirmed the captains had been asked to skip handshakes, prompting protests from Pakistani officials and criticism from Asian Cricket Council chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who called the episode “utterly disappointing”.
India refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Naqvi, who is also chief of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as well as the country’s interior minister. It ended with Naqvi walking away with the trophy.
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Former PCB chairman Ehsan Mani, who also served as the ICC chief between 2003 and 2006, told the Hindustan Times the latest row about matches between India and Pakistan was likely a fallout from the Asia Cup.
“You’ve got to look at the background to this,” he said. “I don’t think the PCB chairman was happy with the Indian players’ refusal to shake hands with the Pakistani players at the Asia Cup, then their refusal to take their trophy from him. You’ve really got to look at the whole picture; it’s not a good relationship between the countries, which is sad, because we always worked very closely with the BCCI, and their attitudes have changed significantly.”
He urged the ICC chairman Jay Shah, who is the son of India’s home minister Amit Shah, to engage with the PCB and the Pakistan government over their stance.
“The PCB is simply going to say that it is following government instructions, the same as India did for refusing to come to Pakistan in the last ICC event,” he said. “And this is all very unfortunate. I do hope that the chairman of ICC, after all, he represents all the countries, including Pakistan, is talking to Pakistan to see how they can overcome Pakistan’s position. In fact, he should be engaging not only with PCB but also with the government of Pakistan.”
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Taskin Ahmed of Bangladesh celebrates the wicket of Aiden Markram of South Africa during their 2021 ICC T20 World Cup match in Abu Dhabi (Getty)
The ICC responded to Pakistan’s position by calling it “difficult to reconcile” with the premise of global competition.
“Selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions,” it said in a statement and warned of “significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country”.
While acknowledging the role of governments in national policy, it said Pakistan’s decision wasn’t in the interest of the game or fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan.
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The Independent has reached out to the ICC, BCCI, BCB, and PCB for comment.
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi accused the ICC of mishandling the situation. “It’s regrettable that Pakistan won’t play India, but I stand behind my government’s decision,” he wrote on X.
“This is the moment for the ICC to lead and prove through decisions, not statements, that it’s impartial, independent and fair to every member.”
Former PCB chairman Najam Sethi said the standoff reflected long-standing resentment over how power and revenue were distributed in world cricket. He accused the BCCI, the sport’s wealthiest board, of using its influence to dominate decision-making.
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“I’m not a spokesman for the PCB, I’m giving you my view. The PCB consulted the government and they made this decision. There are 10-15 days to go before that match. My sense is that there are negotiations that are taking place, and my hope is that those negotiations will bear fruit,” he said.
Sethi linked Pakistan’s position to wider opposition to the so-called Big Three arrangement, under which India, Australia and England receive the majority of ICC revenue.
“It’s the attitude of the BCCI, that’s the problem. At every stage, they’ve been bullying people,” he said, recalling negotiations during the tenure of former BCCI chairman N Srinivasan.
“Nine members signed on and Mr Srinivasan came to me and said, ‘Why do you want to be left alone, blah blah blah, you will be isolated’, and the rest of it,” Sethi said. He described agreeing to revised revenue terms and an India-Pakistan series that later collapsed. “The contract was fine, but a year later, on the eve of the series, the BCCI, without a word, pulls out,” he recalled. “Can you think of a bigger insult?”
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Sethi argued that Bangladesh’s removal had created the conditions for a broader challenge. “They have been treating us very badly. Now that Bangladesh have been snubbed in a sense, we feel there are 400 million people on one side. We can all stand up,” he said. “There may be temporary losses, but at the end of the day, we will get a better, reformed ICC.”
Players have largely deferred to governments and administrators. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said the boycott was beyond the team’s control.
“Well, they are our brothers. I thank them for supporting us,” he said of Bangladesh. “And it’s really sad to see that they are not playing the World Cup.”
The India match, he said, was not in their control. “It was the government’s decision.”
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Yadav said India would travel to Colombo as scheduled. “We have not refused to play, they have. We’ve booked our flight and we are going,” he said.
Imad Wasim of Pakistan bats during a Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup match against India at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on 9 June 2024 (Getty)
While the ICC continues to hope that Pakistan will backtrack – especially with the governing body having warned of possible sanctions – former BCCI chief selector Chetan Sharma has predicted the PCB will reverse its stance after the 12 February election in Bangladesh, arguing the decision is politically driven.
“What was Bangladesh players’ fault? None. This is politics. Bangladesh has elections on the 12th. After that, you will see a U-turn. There will be a statement saying, ‘Considering public sentiment, cricket shouldn’t suffer, Pakistan will play against India.’ This stance is still about the Bangladesh election only,” he told India Today.
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“I’ve been a politician, I’ve contested elections. After the elections, maybe even the military chief will say sport should be kept free of politics and the match should go ahead.”
Former England captain Nasser Hussain questioned whether the ICC had applied its rules consistently.
“If India, a month before a tournament, said ‘our government does not want us to play in a country for a World Cup’, would the ICC have been so firm and said, ‘You know the rules, bad luck, we’re knocking you out?’” he asked on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast.
Scotland, promoted into the tournament, said preparations had been unusual. “It’s been unique circumstances for us. Preparations have been different than other teams. Every opportunity, we want to make most of,” captain Richie Berrington said.
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If Pakistan do boycott the match versus India, their opponent will receive two points. They face the Netherlands, USA, and Namibia in their remaining group games. Only the top two teams from each group progress, leaving little margin for error. It’s unclear what would happen if India and Pakistan were drawn to meet in the final.
There’s precedent for teams refusing to play. Australia and the West Indies declined to travel to Sri Lanka during the 1996 World Cup, while England refused to play Zimbabwe in 2003, citing security concerns. Those teams forfeited the matches but were not fined.
The ICC constitution, however, allows for sanctions where governments interfere in cricket administration and requires boards to operate autonomously.
Zimbabwe were suspended in 2019 on account of government intervention and Sri Lanka lost hosting rights for an Under-19 World Cup four years later following the dismissal of its board.
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Cricket analysts say the financial implications of an India-Pakistan no-show will be severe. Former ICC media head Sami Ul Hasan said: “The biggest hit, if the biggest game of the tournament doesn’t take place, will come from media rights.”
The losses will be felt by member boards.
Hasan pointed to the origin of the crisis in the removal of Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL.
“We must remember that this situation arose due to one player’s removal and one administrator’s statement,” he said, referring to comments by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who at the time blamed “recent developments that are going on all across” – a comment widely understood to refer to the protests by Hindu nationalist groups.
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.As the T20 World Cup gets started, the ICC says its priority is the delivery of the tournament. It is calling on all members to protect its integrity.
The World Cup is due to begin on 7 February and will conclude on 8 March. Viewers in the UK can watch every game live on Sky Sports. A live stream will be available via Sky Go and NOW.
