Giving sciver

ODI World Cup: Though two-time WPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI) were always expected to retain the likes of Harmanpreet Kaur and Nat Sciver-Brunt, the name of England skipper being the first retention pick ahead of the India captain came as a bit of surprise to many.

Moreover, Nat, the seam-bowling all-rounder who won the player of the tournament honour in WPL 2025, has been retained at a higher price (Rs 3.5 crore) than skipper Harmanpreet, whose retention amount is Rs 2.5 crore.

Sources familiar with the matter have told IANS that it was recent Women’s ODI World Cup-winning captain Harmanpreet’s decision to give Nat the first slot in the MI retentions list. “Harmanpreet wants to focus on having a great team for WPL 2026 and due to this, she decided that Nat would be MI’s first retained player while she’s the second pick for the franchise,” further said sources to IANS.