February 20
NEWS IN SHORTS
February 2025 - News Digest
Last month, Devine took a break from domestic cricket, © Getty
Penfold sidelined for rest of home season with knee injury
New Zealand Women's pacer Molly Penfold has been ruled out for the remainder of the home summer after tearing the meniscus in her left knee while warming up for an Auckland Hearts fixture earlier this month. The 23-year-old underwent surgery last week and is expected to be out for 8-12 weeks, missing the rest of the domestic season as well as the upcoming series against Sri Lanka and Australia.
February 19
Milind Rege, former Mumbai captain, passes away
Milind Rege, the former Mumbai captain and selector, passed away at the age of 79. In a career spanning over a decade, from 1966 to 1978, Rege featured in 52 first-class matches. As an offspinning all-rounder, Rege took 126 wickets at an average of 29.23 and scored 1532 runs at an average of 23.56. Rege had suffered a heart attack at the age of 26, but returned to play cricket after a year's break.
His bigger contribution to Mumbai cricket came as a long-standing selector and administrator. At the time of his demise, he served as an advisor with the Mumbai Cricket Association.
In a Twitter post, hailing the contribution of Rege, Sachin Tendulkar wrote, "Sad to hear about Milind Rege Sir's passing. He was a true Mumbai cricketer with immense contributions to the city's cricket. He and other CCI members saw potential in me and asked me to play for CCI, which, as I look back now, was a landmark moment in my career.
"He could pick out a talented player from a sea of hardworking hopefuls. He had a special sixth sense to pick talent at all levels, but especially at junior levels. He leaves behind a void, one that's tough to fill. He may not be around, but his imprint on people's lives will always live on. He made a difference to so many lives and definitely made a difference to mine."
In Rege's memory, Mumbai and Vidarbha players observed a minute's silence ahead of the third day's play in their ongoing Ranji Trophy clash. Mumbai players took the field in Nagpur on Wednesday wearing a black armband.
February 17
Sophie Devine to miss Sri Lanka series
New Zealand Women's captain Sophie Devine will be unavailable for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka in March as she continues to prioritize her health and well-being.
This decision comes after her