'It's a Sad Day for International Cricket': Mithali Raj Shares Special Note For Meg Lanning on Her Retirement

Former India cricketer Mithali Raj lauded Meg Lanning after she retired from international cricket. The legendary Australia captain bid adieu to international cricket on Thursday at the age of 31. The Two women cricket stalwarts engaged in many battles on the field.

Raj expressed her admiration for Lanning and acknowledged her brilliant international career.

“Congratulations on such a storied career, Meg! Your list of achievements in women’s cricket and Australian cricket in particular is legendary. I’ve always admired your dedication and commitment to the game. It’s a sad day for international cricket. Wishing you all the best for your future endeavours,” Raj wrote in her post.

Earlier in the day, Lanning announced the big decision while addressing the media.

“The decision to step away from international cricket was a difficult one to make, but I feel now is the right time for me. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to enjoy a 13-year international career, but I know now is the right time for me to move on to something new,” Lanning said.

“Team success is why you play the game, I’m proud of what I have been able to achieve and will cherish the moments shared with teammates along the way. I’d like to thank my family, my teammates, Cricket Victoria, Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association for their support to allow me to play the game I love at the highest level. I also want to say a huge thank you to all the fans who have supported me throughout my international career,” Lanning further added.

After 13 years of international cricket and she captained Australia on 182 occasions. Australia won 26 consecutive one-day games under Lanning’s captaincy between 2018 and 2021, which remains that format’s record-winning streak.

The 31-year-old top-order batter led Australia to four Twenty20 World Cup titles, one 50-over World Cup triumph and a Commonwealth Games gold — earning the nickname “Megastar” for her run-scoring exploits.

Alyssa Healy is expected to take over the captaincy duty as she has led the Australian team in the past too in the absence of Lanning.