New Zealand women's captain Sophie Devine to retire from ODIs after World Cup
Auckland, Jun 17 (PTI): New Zealand women's team captain and prolific all-rounder Sophie Devine will retire from the ODIs after the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka later this year.
The 35-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most prolific all-rounders in women's cricket, having amassed 3990 runs from 152 ODIs at an average of 31.66 with the help of eight centuries. She has also scored 3431 runs from 146 T20Is with one century.
She has also taken 107 and 119 wickets in the ODIs and T20Is respectively. She, however, has not played in any Test.
"It feels like the right time for me to start stepping away. I feel very fortunate to have NZC’s support in finding a solution that means I can still give to the WHITE FERNS," said Devine in a statement issued by New Zealand Cricket on Tuesday.
Devine's statement came ahead of the announcement of the 17 centrally contracted players by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Wednesday. She will remain available for T20I cricket on a "casual playing arrangement" but will not be centrally contracted.
"It's important that everyone knows I'm focused and dedicated to giving this group everything I can before I step away. I'm really excited by where this young group’s going and I'm looking forward to playing my part in the next six to nine months."
Her decision to retire after the ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2 came after Devine took a break from cricket to prioritise her mental health in January. She will lead the team in the ODI World Cup in September.
Devine was permanent captain of the White Ferns in 2020, and has since led the team to new heights, including a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and a maiden ICC Women's T20 World Cup victory last year.
NZC's head of women's high performance Liz Green said Devine had the organisation's full support.
"Sophie's given nearly 20 years of service to the White Ferns and NZC is fully supportive of her quest to find more balance at this stage in her career," Green said.
"We're pleased to be able to reach an agreement that means she can continue to be involved with the White Ferns on a case-by-case basis, whilst opening up the opportunity for another player to be contracted in full."
NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink praised Devine’s contribution to the White Ferns.
"Sophie has been an extraordinary leader and ambassador for the WHITE FERNS. Supporting her move to a casual playing agreement will allow her to continue contributing to the WHITE FERNS environment," he said.
The White Ferns are scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against seven-time champions Australia on October 1 in Indore.
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Belagavi: Owner of Shivam Associates held for running illegal investment scheme
Belagavi: City Police Commissioner Bushan Borase has said that Shivanand Neelannavar, owner of Shivam Associates, has been taken into custody for having violated Reserve Bank of India (RBI) rules by running an unauthorized transaction scheme and getting thousands of people to deposit money.
The police registered an FIR on Friday night and questioned Neelannavar, who is also suspected to be involved in money laundering, in the case.
On Thursday evening, Assistant Commissioner Shravan Nayak, accompanied by officials of the Cooperation Department, conducted a preliminary investigation that followed a search of about 24 hours at the offices of Shivanand Neelannavar, owner of Shivam Associates. The operation is said to have been conducted under directions of Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan.
The officials held the raid over allegations of a money-circulation racket, and reportedly seized important financial documents from the office of Shivam Associates. Preliminary findings suggested that about 5,000 investors were made to invest nearly Rs 4,600 crore through pyramid-style scheme. Documents related to the financial transactions were seized from an apartment and two offices of Shivam Associates for further scrutiny.
AC Nayak is said to have submitted a detailed preliminary report on the probe to the DC on Friday, sources said, and senior officials of the Crime Investigation Department (CID) are expected to take over the case soon.
Statements made by Shivananda Neelannavar, a native of Unkal, Hubballi, at a recent event in Kadur went viral on social media. He was seen declaring that he had built a big empire and, having 15,000 guns, was not afraid of anyone. It is learned that he had said that, if needed, he would also show up as CM in 2028.
The viral video is learned to have drawn the attention of the authorities to Shivam Associates and led them to conduct the raid.
