Iran’s only representative Aboulfazl Khatibi has been forced to withdraw from the Milan Cortina Paralympic Games because he cannot travel safely amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) confirmed the news on Friday, mere hours before the opening ceremony was scheduled to begin in Verona.

Travel risks force withdrawal

Khatibi had been set to compete as a cross-country skier and was the solitary athlete registered to represent his nation at these Winter Games.

However, the IPC stated that it was impossible to secure safe passage for him to travel to Italy.

This disruption follows the intensifying military situation in the region, occurring less than a week after reports of strikes involving the United States and Israel.

Sole representative absent

The enforced absence leaves Iran without any active participants for the duration of the competition.

The skier had been preparing to compete on the global stage, but geopolitical tensions have curtailed his participation just as the Games get underway.

Events are scheduled to take place across Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo following the opening formalities.

Russian soldiers injured in the war in Ukraine will be eligible to compete at future Games according to International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons.

Reports indicate that Moscow is actively fast-tracking veterans of the conflict into elite disability sport structures.

An investigation by Poland-based outlet Vot Tak found that “at least 70” former combatants are already competing within national teams.

Parsons addressed the controversial subject while speaking to BBC Sport in Italy ahead of the Winter Paralympics opening ceremony.

‘Possibility after war’

When asked if those wounded in the ongoing invasion would be barred, the IPC chief confirmed they would be treated like athletes from any other member nation.

“There are many countries that recruit athletes from the armed forces, so if Russia does that, they won’t be the only one,” Parsons explained.

He emphasised the historical roots of the movement, which began at Stoke Mandeville following the Second World War.

“We have to remember where we come from,” the Brazilian official said.

“Our movement started after World War Two, specifically with injured military personnel.”

Parsons insisted that while the organisation opposes conflict, it exists to offer social reintegration through sport.

“It doesn’t matter to us what they have done in the past in the combat field,” he added.

“Of course crimes of war are something different, but what we offer with the movement is a second chance.”

Boycotts overshadow Winter Games

The comments come as the event in Italy faces significant disruption due to the reinstatement of Russia and Belarus.

Seven nations, including Ukraine, are set to boycott the opening ceremony in protest at the full inclusion of the two countries.

It marks a significant shift from 2022, when both nations were suspended following the launch of the full-scale invasion.

Restrictions were eased for Paris 2024 to allow participation as neutrals, before the ban was lifted entirely last year.

Consequently, the Russian flag will fly at a Paralympic Games for the first time since Sochi 2014.

However, Parsons warned that the global governing body would intervene if the event was utilised for political messaging.

When asked if the IPC would step in if sport was used as a propaganda tool, he confirmed: “When it comes to our members doing that, yes.”

England Women’s preparations for the home T20 World Cup have been thrown into disarray after their pre-tournament training camp in Abu Dhabi was cancelled due to security concerns.

The hosts are now facing a period of uncertainty with less than 100 days to go until the tournament begins.

Team management had scheduled the camp in the UAE for next week, but the plans were abandoned following an escalation in regional conflict.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is currently seeking alternative venues to ensure the squad can convene.

Squad separation concerns

This disruption is particularly problematic as the side has not been in the same room together for five months.

England were the only major nation opting against a bilateral series during the winter window.

Instead, the squad has been scattered globally since reaching the semi-finals of the ODI World Cup in India last October.

While some players attended skills camps in Oman and South Africa, the majority of the centrally contracted stars have been occupied with franchise commitments.

Fifteen English players featured in Australia’s Big Bash League, with others securing lucrative deals in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India.

The franchise balancing act

The lack of international cohesion is a growing trend driven by the economics of the modern game.

Top players can now earn significantly more in franchise tournaments than they do through central contracts, often in a fraction of the time.

Nat Sciver-Brunt, the England captain, acknowledges the shifting landscape of the sport.

We’ve had five months between international duties, which is pretty unusual. But I think it will probably become a bit more common now with the windows for franchise cricket.

Nat Sciver-Brunt, England captain

The all-rounder herself has been active, scoring more than 300 runs for the Mumbai Indians during the break.

New era under pressure

This will be Sciver-Brunt’s first global tournament at the helm since taking the captaincy permanently 12 months ago.

The leadership change followed a difficult Ashes campaign in Australia, which resulted in a significant restructuring of the team hierarchy.

Former head coach Jon Lewis departed, while the previous long-serving captain stepped down after nine years in the role.

Charlotte Edwards has since taken charge as head coach, tasked with preparing the side for a tournament on home soil.

History weighs heavily on the hosts, with England having won all four previous Women’s World Cups staged in the country.

Despite the logistical setbacks and historical expectations, the skipper remains outwardly calm.

So, no pressure for me.

Nat Sciver-Brunt

BBC Sport has launched an in-depth investigation into the Enhanced Games, exploring the controversial proposal to allow performance-enhancing drugs in competitive sport.

The concept represents one of the most divisive topics currently facing the global athletic community.

Proposed as a libertarian alternative to the Olympic Games, the event has drawn sharp criticism for its stance on doping.

Challenging the status quo

The Enhanced Games explicitly plans to forgo traditional drug testing for its participants.

Organisers argue that the current anti-doping systems in elite sport are failing, restrictive, and costly.

Instead, the disruptive venture aims to celebrate “science and humanity” by allowing athletes to use medical enhancements openly.

This radical approach has sparked a fierce debate regarding ethics, fair play, and the definition of natural ability.

Health risks and condemnation

Safety remains the primary concern for governing bodies and medical experts worldwide.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) has previously warned athletes against participating in the unsanctioned competition.

Critics fear that legitimising performance-enhancing substances could have catastrophic long-term health consequences for competitors.

The new BBC Sport investigation delves into whether this project represents a sporting revolution or a dangerous precedent.

Keely Hodgkinson headlines a 29-strong Great Britain team aiming for gold at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Poland later this month.

The Olympic champion arrives in Torun in formidable form, having smashed the women’s indoor 800m world record just four weeks ago.

While the 24-year-old is the clear favourite for the 800m title, she may also feature in the 4x400m relay squad after clocking a personal best of 51.49 seconds over the distance earlier in March.

The championships take place from 20 to 22 March, with comprehensive live coverage across the BBC.

Kerr and Asher-Smith targeting titles

Josh Kerr returns to the indoor circuit to contest the 3,000m, attempting to regain the crown he claimed in Glasgow two years ago.

The 2023 world outdoor champion adds significant experience to a team looking to build momentum ahead of the summer season.

In the sprints, Jeremiah Azu looks to defend his men’s 60m title.

British record holder Dina Asher-Smith makes her first appearance at this level since 2016, joining world 200m silver medallist Amy Hunt in the women’s 60m.

Middle distance strength in depth

Georgia Hunter Bell steps up to the 1500m alongside 2024 world indoor silver medallist Jemma Reekie.

Hunter Bell’s bronze from the previous championships is set to be upgraded following a doping ban for runner-up Diribe Welteji.

In the field events, pole vaulter Molly Caudery targets a return to the global podium following her victory in 2024.

Ben Pattison will also look to make an impact in the men’s 800m following his breakout world medal in 2023.

Selection caveats and absentees

The final composition of the British team remains fluid, with 15 athletes selected subject to their world ranking positions being confirmed by 11 March.

However, reigning world indoor 400m champion Amber Anning is a notable absentee.

The quarter-miler has opted to bypass the event to prioritize the upcoming outdoor season, which includes both the Commonwealth Games and the European Championships.

Great Britain squad

Men

Women

*Selected subject to securing the required world ranking position

Cricket fans are invited to select their Men’s T20 World Cup Team of the Tournament as the competition reaches its climax with Sunday’s final.

The best of the best

After 54 matches of high-octane action, only New Zealand and India remain in the hunt for the trophy.

Before the Black Caps and the Men in Blue meet in the showpiece event, BBC Sport wants to know who makes your standout XI from the last few weeks of cricket.

While individual brilliance often grabs the headlines, building a balanced side requires careful selection across openers, middle-order batters, and bowlers.

Explosive starts at the top

The battle for the opening spots is fierce, with power-hitting being the theme of the tournament.

New Zealand’s Finn Allen has been destructive at the top of the order, boasting a frightening strike-rate of 203.52 across his seven innings.

He is joined in the conversation by India’s Sanju Samson, who has struck at 201.73 and averages a massive 77.33.

Pakistan may have made an early exit, but Sahibzada Farhan left his mark with a tournament average of 76.60.

Other strong contenders include South Africa captain Aiden Markram and Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett, who have both been consistent performers for their respective nations.

Middle-order muscle and all-rounders

The engine room of the side features a mix of pure ball-strikers and versatile options who contribute with both bat and ball.

England’s Will Jacks offers a dual threat, averaging 56.50 with the bat while claiming nine wickets with his off-spin.

Another standout is Kiwi sensation Rachin Ravindra, whose 11 wickets have been crucial for the finalists, alongside a respectable economy rate of 6.88.

West Indies powerhouse Sherfane Rutherford has proved elusive to dismiss, averaging 61.00 with a strike-rate approaching 180.

Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza also presents a compelling case, offering experience and all-round stability with 206 runs and five wickets.

How to finalize your XI

Voters are asked to select two openers and five players to fill the middle-order and all-rounder slots.

While there is no specific category for wicketkeepers, fans must ensure a gloveman is included within their batting choices to create a functional team.

The most-voted players will be collated into the definitive Team of the Tournament.

The final XI will be revealed during BBC Sport’s live text coverage of Sunday’s final between New Zealand and India.

Centre Juan Ignacio Brex has returned to the Italy starting line-up to face England in the Six Nations at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.

Midfield changes for the Azzurri

Brex had missed rounds two and three of the championship due to personal reasons but immediately reclaims his place in the side.

He reunites with Tommaso Menoncello to restore a familiar midfield partnership for the hosts.

There is a family connection at half-back as Alessandro Garbisi comes in to start alongside his brother Paolo.

In the back three, Lorenzo Pani steps in at full-back to replace the injured Ange Capuozzo.

Chasing historic win

Head coach Gonzalo Quesada has kept faith with the forward pack that featured against France a fortnight ago.

Fly-half Tommaso Allan is named as one of three backs on the replacements bench.

The Azzurri have never beaten England in 32 previous Test matches but arrive in Rome with renewed belief.

Quesada’s side have already secured a victory over Scotland and pushed Ireland close earlier in this campaign.

Line-ups

Italy: Pani; Lynagh, Brex, Menoncello, Ioane; P Garbisi, A Garbisi; Fischetti, Nicotera, Ferrari, N Cannone, Zambonin, Lamaro (capt), Zuliani, L Cannone.

Replacements: Di Bartolomeo, Spagnolo, Hasa, Ruzza, Favretto, Fusco, Marin, Allan.

Sanju Samson has struck a magnificent half-century off just 26 balls to lead the charge for India in their clash against England.

The dynamic right-hander wasted little time in finding his rhythm, dispatching the English bowlers to all parts of the ground.

His rapid milestone underscored a period of dominance for the batting side as they looked to seize control of the contest.

A masterclass in power hitting

Samson displayed exquisite timing combined with raw power to bring up his fifty at a strike rate of nearly 200.

Commentators described the innings as "magnificent" as the wicketkeeper-batter manipulated the field with a wide range of shots.

The aggressive display put significant pressure on the opposition attack, forcing England to rethink their bowling plans mid-innings.

Pressure on the hosts

This knock serves as a strong statement from the Indian star as he looks to cement his place in the national setup.

England’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs during the onslaught, with Samson punishing anything loose.

Fans can follow live coverage of the remainder of the match across BBC Sport platforms.