Proteas Boost: Dane van Niekerk Ends Retirement Ahead of CWC 2025

In a social media post on August 25 (Monday), former South African captain Dane van Niekerk declared that she had withdrawn her retirement from the game. During the 2024–25 season, the 32-year-old made her comeback to domestic cricket for Western Province. She was later added to the 20-member extended group for the August 25–September 1 pre-World Cup training camp in Durban.

“I’m happy to declare that I’ve made the decision to not retire from international cricket. The absence has made me realize how much I’ve missed representing my nation. I’m determined to do all in my power to have that chance again,” she posted on Instagram.

The former South Africa captain resigned in 2023 at the age of 29. After failing to satisfy the fitness standards needed to be selected for a home T20 World Cup squad. For the tournament, Sune Luus assumed the role of captain.

Van Niekerk played 194 games for South Africa, including 1 Test, 86 T20Is, and 107 ODIs. Throughout her international career, she scored 4074 runs and claimed 204 wickets. Additionally, she captained South Africa for 50 ODIs and 30 T20Is, winning 29 and 15 games, respectively.

During the Covid era, she suffered numerous injuries despite being a stalwart in South Africa. She missed the most of the 2020 season due to a lower back ailment. She was unable to compete in the 2022 ICC World Cup in New Zealand because of an ankle issue.

In addition to expressing regret to Cricket South Africa (CSA) for how she handled her retirement. Van Niekerk, now 32, expressed her desire to play for South Africa once more. I genuinely apologize to Cricket South Africa and the cricket community for my retirement. I am incredibly appreciative of the chance to perhaps showcase my abilities on a global level once more in the future.

South Africa will travel to Pakistan.

As a final preparation for the ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, South Africa will choose the side that will fly to Lahore for a three-match ODI series against hosts Pakistan from September 16 to 22. After the Durban training camp.

Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, and Chloe Tryon. Who are all presently competing in the Hundred Competition, are not included in the 20-player camp.

South Africa Women’s training squad:

Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Lara Goodall, Anneke Bosch, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Luyanda Nzuza, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Miane Smit, Faye Tunnicliffe, and Dane van Niekerk

🇮🇳 Spinner Gouher Sultana Announces Retirement from All Forms of Cricket

In a significant development for Indian women’s cricket, left-arm spinner Gouher Sultana has officially announced her retirement from all forms of the game. The Hyderabad-born cricketer, known for her accurate spin bowling and consistent performances, leaves behind a career that inspired many young girls to take up the sport.

A Notable Career in Blue

Gouher Sultana made her international debut for India in 2008 and quickly established herself as a reliable slow left-arm orthodox bowler. Across her career, she represented India in both ODIs and T20Is, playing against some of the toughest opposition sides in world cricket.

Her ability to extract turn and maintain a tight line and length made her a dependable option in the middle overs. Sultana’s spell of accuracy often broke partnerships and kept batters under pressure. She was also one of the few Indian women cricketers from the South Zone to gain prominence during the late 2000s, representing Hyderabad on the domestic circuit with distinction.

Career Highlights

  • One Day Internationals (ODIs): Gouher played 50 ODIs for India, claiming crucial wickets at an impressive economy rate.
  • T20 Internationals (T20Is): She featured in 37 T20Is, contributing to India’s rise in women’s cricket during the format’s early years.
  • She was part of India’s squads in multiple ICC tournaments, including the Women’s Cricket World Cup and the T20 World Cup, where her experience proved valuable.

One of her standout moments came against Sri Lanka Women in 2010, where she delivered a match-winning spell that showcased her control and temperament under pressure.

Domestic Stalwart

At the domestic level, Sultana was a mainstay for Hyderabad, guiding her side with both performances and mentorship. Her consistency in the Women’s Senior One-Day and T20 tournaments often made her a top wicket-taker for her state. She also represented the India Red and India Blue teams in Challenger Trophy tournaments, further underlining her stature as one of the finest spinners of her era.

An Inspiration for Many

Gouher Sultana’s journey is particularly inspiring given the challenges faced by women cricketers in India during the 2000s, when resources and visibility were limited. Her rise from Hyderabad to donning the India jersey was a story of perseverance, discipline, and passion for the sport.

Tributes have poured in from teammates, coaches, and fans, acknowledging her service to Indian cricket. Several younger players from Hyderabad have credited Sultana as a role model who paved the way for women cricketers from the region to dream bigger.

Looking Ahead

In her retirement note, Gouher expressed gratitude to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), her teammates, coaches, and fans who stood by her throughout her journey. While she has hung up her boots, reports suggest she is likely to continue contributing to the game in the capacity of a coach or mentor, ensuring her experience benefits the next generation of cricketers.

Conclusion

Gouher Sultana may not have always been in the spotlight, but her contribution to Indian women’s cricket has been steady and impactful. As she steps away from the field, her legacy will live on in the form of the players she inspired and the path she carved for future talents.

Andre Russell will retire from international cricket, After the Jamaica T20Is

Following the first two Twenty20 Internationals against Australia at his home stadium, Sabina Park in Jamaica, West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell will announce his retirement from international cricket.

Russell, 37, presently has 84 caps and has only played in T20Is since 2019. He will retire seven months before the next T20 World Cup, which will take place in February 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. In addition, he played 56 ODIs and one Test.

There are no words to describe what that meant. “One of the proudest achievements of my life has been representing the West Indies,” Russell stated. I never imagined I would reach this level when I was younger, but the more you play and develop a passion for the sport, the more you realize what you are capable of. I wanted to make an impression in the maroon colors and serve as an inspiration to others, so this motivated me to improve.

In addition to performing for the West Indies, I enjoy performing at home in front of my loved ones, which allows me to show off my skills and give better performances. I want to be a role model for the upcoming generation of Caribbean cricket players and end my international career on a strong note.

Russell will leave international cricket in less than two months, making him the second well-known West Indies player to do so after Nicholas Pooran. It is believed that Russell’s announcement caught the West Indies’ selectors off guard.

In 2012, Russell was a member of the West Indies team that won the T20 World Cup. In 2016, he took the new ball and got rid of Alex Hales in the second over in Kolkata.

According to coach Daren Sammy, Andre has always been a hard competitor and the epitome of professionalism. His will to compete and win for the West Indies has never faltered. Whether I was captaining him or am currently coaching him. I hope he continues to inspire future generations and wish him luck on his next journey.

Andre Russell

Russell will be replaced by Matthew Forde in the roster for the St Kitts leg of the match versus Australia.

In the meantime, 23-year-old Jediah Blades and adolescent Jewel Andrew received their first calls-ups to the West Indies T20I team. Andrew became the youngest West Indian and the second youngest player overall to score a fifty in a major T20 league in the 2024 CPL at the age of 17 years and 266 days. In Guyana’s current Global Super League (GSL), Andrew plays for the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

Blades has not yet participated in the CPL. But he made an impression with the new ball at the first West Indies breakout league. A competition recently established to find up-and-coming talent in the area. In addition to Rovman Powell, who missed the GSL for the Dubai Capitals. Shai Hope will continue to captain the team.

“We have strategic plans and goals that are in line with winning the T20 World Cup in 2026,” Sammy stated. As a team, we will continue to refine our style and brand in preparation for the World Cup. We have continuity in the roster from the previous series.

As we build momentum for next year’s World Cup with our exciting and dynamic bunch of players. We aim to get back to our prior form at home, where we lost both of our previous T20 series. We start against Australia.

West Indies squad

Andre Russell, Shai Hope (c), Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, and Romario Shepherd

Sophie Devine will retire from ODIs after the World Cup in 2025.

Sophie Devine, a mainstay of New Zealand will be leaving the ODI format after this year’s World Cup. She will therefore choose to sign a casual playing contract for the 2025–2026 season, New Zealand Cricket said on Tuesday, June 17.

In both ODIs and T20Is, the 35-year-old has enjoyed a stellar career for New Zealand. Over the course of her 152 appearances for the national team the second most after Suzie Bates. She has risen from her initial position as a No. 11 in 50-over cricket to become one of the most crucial hitters in the team. She has hit 16 fifties and eight hundred, second only to Bates. In addition to his fourth-highest 3990 runs. Devine has taken 107 wickets. Which is second only to Lea Tahuhu.

In 2020, the all-round player was named New Zealand’s permanent captain last year. They won the T20 World Cup under her direction. In the last two tournaments. They have not advanced past the group stages in the ODI format.

Sophie Devine

Devine stated, “It feels like the right time for me to start stepping away,” in reference to her choice. “I consider myself extremely lucky to have had NZC’s help in resolving the issue. So that I can continue to support the White Ferns. Before I leave, I want everyone to know that I’m committed and focused on giving this group my all. I’m eager to contribute over the next six to nine months. Am quite pleased about the direction this young group is taking.”

According to Liz Green, the Head of Women’s High Performance at NZC. Devine’s choice to sign a casual deal will allow another athlete to sign a full contract. As the 17-member core contracts list will be revealed tomorrow.

Green stated that Sophie has served the White Ferns for almost 20 years, and NZC is completely in support of her efforts to find greater balance at this point in her career.

We are happy that we were able to come to a deal that allows her to continue playing for the White Ferns on an as-needed basis while providing room for another player to sign a full contract.

Glenn Maxwell announces his retirement from ODI

In order to fully focus on T20 cricket, Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has declared his retirement from ODI cricket. Maxwell played in 149 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) between 2012 and 2025. Amassing 3990 runs and taking 77 wickets. In 2015 and 2023, he played for Australia’s World Cup-winning teams.

Maxwell was a powerful hitter who averaged 33.81 runs per game with a strike rate of 126.70. In the 2023 World Cup, he scored an undefeated 201 against Afghanistan. Which is considered to be his best ODI performance to date and maybe the best innings ever played. He recorded 23 half-centuries and three more hundred. In his bowling career, he picked four four-fers and was a good offspinner. In addition to being an excellent fielder. He has 91 catches in the format.

According to Cricket Australia, Maxwell made the choice in preparation of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Which will be played in India and Sri Lanka. Maxwell’s goal to concentrate on the Big Bash League and other international obligations was also mentioned by the board.

“I think back to right at the start I was picked ahead of my time and out of the blue,” Maxwell stated, looking back on his career and retirement decision. Being able to play a few games for Australia made me feel proud. I assumed I would only experience it.

I’ve been lucky to experience the highs and lows of being dropped, being brought back, participating in a couple World Cups, and being a member of some outstanding teams ever since.

Glenn Maxwell

Earlier this year, Maxwell played his final ODI match against India in the Champions Trophy. Maxwell will not be participating in the current IPL due to a leg injury.

My body’s reaction to the situation led me to believe that. I was failing the team in some way. I had a pleasant talk with the Chair of Selectors, George Bailey. He responded on the Final Word Podcast when I asked him what he thought might happen in the future.

It’s time to start setting things up so that people in my position can try their hand at it and take over the role, I told him, since I don’t think I’ll make it. The 2027 World Cup came up. In order to keep that position, I hope they have adequate lead time.

“I used to say that if I still felt like I could play, I wouldn’t give up my place. I didn’t want to play purely for selfish motives and wait for a few series.

“They have the best view of the lineup heading into the next World Cup because they are heading in such a clear way. I am aware of how crucial that preparation is.

Former captain and current chair of selectors George Bailey praised Maxwell on his career. Glenn Maxwell who was instrumental in two ODI World Cup victories. He will go down as one of the most thrilling performers in one-day cricket. He is incredibly talented and skilled by nature. His field enthusiasm, missed ball abilities, and longevity have all been outstanding. His passion and commitment to representing Australia is yet another remarkable feature.

He still has a lot to give Australia in the T20 format, thankfully. If all goes according to plan, he will play a key role in the upcoming year as we prepare for the World Cup in early 2019.

Indian cricketer Siddarth Kaul has retired.

Fast bowler Siddarth Kaul has announced his intention to retire from Indian cricket, capping a career that started with a first-class match in Mohali 17 years ago. The statement was made on Instagram by the 34-year-old. Who played for India in three ODIs and an equal number of T20Is.

“I had a dream while I was a kid playing cricket in Punjabi fields. I’ve always wanted to represent my nation. By God’s grace, I was awarded India’s T20I team’s cap number 75 and the ODI team’s cap number 221, he stated. “The time has now come to call time on my career in India and announce my retirement.”

Kaul’s successful 2008 Under-19 World Cup campaign, led by Virat Kohli, is one of his most notable professional accomplishments. He played a significant role in Punjab’s white-ball teams on the domestic scene over the years. Including winning the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in the 2023–24 season and finishing as the team’s top wicket-taker with 16 in 10 games. In last year’s Vijay Hazare Trophy, Kaul also led the team’s charts.

Siddarth Kaul participated in two games in the current Ranji Trophy campaign and three County Championship games for Northamptonshire earlier this year. Although he was wicketless in both of those contests. He has taken 297 wickets at a total of 26.77 from 88 first-class matches.

Additionally, he participated in 55 IPL games for three different teams: the Delhi Daredevils, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. During the 2017 and 2018 seasons, he took as many as 37 wickets for SRH, earning him a call-up to the Indian national side for the 2018 tour of the United Kingdom. In addition, Kaul participated in India’s successful Asia Cup campaign that year. In February 2019, he played his final six games for India.

Dwayne Bravo retires from all cricket

Dwayne Bravo, whose injury ended his CPL 2024, has announced his retirement from all cricket-related activities. He is the all-time top wicket-taker in T20 history. Bravo retired from the IPL last year. Bravo posted on Instagram on Thursday (September 26) to announce his retirement. “21 years as a professional cricketer – it’s been an incredible journey, filled with many highs and a few lows,” Bravo wrote. The main reason I was able to fulfill my dream was that I gave you my all at every turn. Even though I really want to keep our relationship going, it’s time to accept reality.

“My body can no longer withstand the pain, the breakdowns, and the strain, but my mind wants to keep going. I can’t put myself in a situation where I could disappoint my supporters, my teammates, or the teams I play for.

Thus, I humbly declare my official resignation from the sport. The Champion says goodbye for now.

The legendary West Indian cricket player had already left the national team in 2021 and had since dabbled in coaching in addition to working as a freelancer in the T20 leagues. Bravo has worked with his IPL team, Chennai Super Kings, for the past 12 months. He was also named Afghanistan’s bowling consultant for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies.

Dwayne Bravo 

Bravo had an 18-year T20 cricket career during which he won titles with teams in the CPL, IPL, Pakistan Super League, and Big Bash League. Before helping St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots win their first CPL championship in 2021. He led Trinbago Knight Riders to back-to-back triumphs in 2017 and 2018. This makes three of his five CPL victories with the team. In addition, he guided the West Indies to victory in two World Cups and finished his career with 631 wickets in 582 matches played in the game’s shortest format.

Dwayne won championships with his CPL clubs in the Big Bash League, the IPL, the Pakistan Super League, and the CPL throughout his 18-year career in Twenty20 cricket. Leading Trinbago Knight Riders to back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018, he has three CPL titles with the team.

In 2021, he will lead St Kitts & Nevis Patriots to their first title. Dwayne was also the captain of the West Indies team that won the World Cup twice. He finishes his career with 631 wickets in 582 matches, the fewest in the game’s history. He declared at the beginning of the current CPL season that it will be his final one. His chances of being retained by MI Emirates in the UAE’s ILT20 were dashed earlier this week when he sustained a groin injury while fielding in a CPL 2024 match.