Sophie Devine reflects on retired-out move (Source: @im_sandeepdalvi/x.com, @MSohailAfzal10/x.com)
As fans worldwide soak in the T20 action, the retired-out drama is making waves across leagues. As Mohammad Rizwan’s retired-out in the BBL sparked storms worldwide, the ongoing WPL has also experienced two instances of this.
The move sparked different opinions across the globe, but Sophie Devine made her stance clear on that. When the star was asked about that, she addressed the method just as another strategic move to gain an early edge in the match.
Sophie Devine shares bold thoughts on 'Retired-Out' drama
The retired-out method hasn't been a new feature that has been added to the game, as cricket has seen it long time, but that sparked massive attention in the past few days. When Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan was retired out while the Melbourne Renegades struggled, fans worldwide were split as some applauded the bold move, while others slammed it.
Just days after, the ongoing WPL witnessed it as Gujarat Giants Ayushi Sony was called back when she was batting at 11. Soon after, Harleen Deol’s shock retired-out against the Delhi Capitals Women pushed the debate even further. Amid rising criticism, Sophie Devine brushed off the noise, calling it simply another tactical tool in the game.
“It's going to spark a fair bit of debate in terms of how people view it. I think, for me, it's just another tool and another strategic option to retire people out. I think at the end of the day, those decisions are always made with the team coming first and what's going to be best for the team to be able to, yeah, I guess, gain momentum. So I think, yeah, some people will love it, some people will hate it. I think it's a great option to be able to use,” Devine said while talking to the Hindustan Times.
Sophie Devine highlights the hidden value of the retired-out call
After watching the rule being implemented during a game, it triggered immense criticism, with many calling it disrespectful to the batter. While reflecting on this, she flipped the entire narrative, backing the move as a team-first tactic aimed at delivering the best possible result.
“I hope that players who do get retired out can see that, and yeah, see it in a positive light that they want to be able to contribute to the team, and they're doing what's best for the team. So yeah, it's a tricky one because I guess it's never nice. I think we will see more of it,” she said.
“We're obviously starting to see a little bit more in the men's game as well, and I think the women's game will follow suit. That said, if players play at a good strike rate, yeah, I guess you probably don't need to use it as much. So, it is interesting to see how different teams will use it, but I think to have that as an option is something that should only be seen as a positive,” she added.
WPL shines brightest through its homegrown superstars
Across the globe, franchise leagues have long served as platforms for domestic talents to shine, and the WPL is no different. Since the league was established, Indian cricket discovered some of the amazing talents in the women’s cricket arena. While talking about WPL’s impact, Sophie Devine said that domestic players are the heart of it.
“Franchise cricket is so fantastic for the world game, I think. Absolutely. Overseas players love coming here to experience the WPL, its conditions, and the challenges it presents. But the domestic and international players are equally key to it. I think in any franchise, it's the domestic players that can really make the difference. Obviously, overseas players sort of cancel themselves out. But it's the domestic local players that I think can have a really huge impact and can be the difference,” she said.
In the ongoing season of the WPL, the all-rounder Sophie Devine has showcased her excellence with both bat and ball. In three matches, she scored 141 runs and secured five wickets. Securing two victories and just one defeat, they are standing in third position of the points table.
