Indian allrounder Deepti Sharma has withdrawn from the 2025 edition of the Women’s Hundred, citing workload management as the reason behind her decision. Sharma, who played a pivotal role in London Spirit's title win last season by hitting the winning six in the final at Lord’s, has opted out of her £36,000 contract to take a short break ahead of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup later this year in India.
Sharma is currently in England for India's ongoing international tour, and her decision follows an intense schedule balancing national duties and franchise cricket. With her absence, Australian allrounder Charli Knott has been signed as her replacement in the Spirit squad.
The Spirit lineup sees several key changes this season. Regular captain Heather Knight is sidelined due to injury, with Charlie Dean stepping in as interim captain. Former Australian skipper Meg Lanning has also been replaced by Grace Harris, while Chris Liddle takes over as head coach from Ashley Noffke.
Sharma's withdrawal leaves no Indian players participating in this year’s Women's Hundred. While active Indian men’s players are barred from overseas leagues due to BCCI regulations, the absence of Indian women cricketers is primarily attributed to undrafted players or workload management concerns.
Meanwhile, Trent Rockets have named Australian allrounder Ashleigh Gardner as their new captain, following Nat Sciver-Brunt’s decision to step down from the role to manage her own workload after taking over England’s captaincy. Gardner called the appointment “an honour.”
In the men's competition, David Willey will lead the Rockets