Rohit Sharma Retirement, Steve Smith MLC Ton- July 16 Cricket Highlights

Rohit Sharma and Steve Smith [Source: AP, Cricket Australia]

Rohit Sharma will likely be announcing his retirement from international cricket. Steve Smith and Washington Freedom teammate Andries Gous pull off a record T20 heist in the eliminator of the MLC 2026 season.

Capping an eventful day in the world of cricket, here we take a look at five of the biggest cricketing news that emerged out of Thursday, July 16. 

Nehal Wadhera shifts from Punjab to Himachal Pradesh for 2026-27 season

Punjab Kings star Nehal Wadhera has shifted his domestic base from Punjab to Himachal Pradesh for the upcoming 2026-27 Indian domestic season. The cricketer did not receive enough opportunities in the Punjab playing XI in the 2025-26 season, playing just three first-class matches and six white-ball games. 

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Young Wadhera recently played for the Punjab Kings franchise in the IPL 2026 season, scoring just 65 runs in six innings of the tournament. 

Gurnoor Brar punished by ICC

Indian fast bowler Gurnoor Brar has been handed one demerit point by the ICC for breaching Article 2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. The cricketer breached the code during the eighth over of the England innings in the first ODI of the series earlier this week, when he fielded and threw the ball towards the batter in an “inappropriate and dangerous manner.”

Rohit Sharma to retire after England ODI series

Rohit Sharma has been reportedly informed by the BCCI that he is not in their plans for the 2027 ICC World Cup in South Africa next year. The report also indicates that the legendary Indian opener might announce his retirement from international cricket at the end of the upcoming third ODI of the series against England at Lord’s in London. 

The news broke out shortly after the cricketer was dismissed for a sluggish 26 off 47 balls in Cardiff as Team India bundled out for just 233 runs in 44 overs.

Steve Smith, Andries Gous pull off record chase for Washington Freedom in MLC 2026

Washington Freedom captain Steve Smith and number four Andries Gous plundered twin tons to steer their side to a record T20 heist against MI New York in the Eliminator of the MLC 2026 season.

Chasing a steep 267-run target and slipping to 10-2 in three overs, both Smith and Gous conjured a monumental 241-run partnership for the third wicket. Gous blasted 132 runs off just 51 balls with 10 boundaries and 12 sixes to win the ‘Player of the Match’ award.

Moises Henriques retires from Australia’s domestic cricket

Former Australian all-rounder Moises Henriques has announced his retirement from Australia’s domestic cricket. The 39-year-old has called time on his Big Bash and New South Wales career after 22 years. 

It is worth noting that Henriques is set to represent Portugal in their ongoing T20 World Cup 2028 qualifiers journey.

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