India pacer Shikha Pandey has been granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Goa Cricket Association (GCA), allowing her to explore playing opportunities with other state teams for the upcoming 2025-26 domestic season. This decision marks the end of an 18-year-long association between Shikha and Goa, where she first made her mark in 2006 and eventually became the first cricketer from Goa to represent India.
GCA Confirms Shikha Pandey’s Departure
Speaking to The Times of India on August 8, GCA secretary Shamba Desai confirmed, “Shikha sought an NOC to play outside Goa and we have given her permission. It was her decision [to move], and we did not object.”
The GCA’s stance has been neutral and supportive, acknowledging Shikha’s contributions but choosing to focus on the road ahead. “We have to move on,” Desai said, when asked if Goa would miss the veteran’s experience.
Possible Move to Baroda for 2025-26 Season
Although an official announcement is yet to be made, Shikha Pandey is reportedly in talks with the Baroda Cricket Association, and there’s a strong possibility she could represent Baroda in the 2025-26 domestic season.
Last season, Shikha played in the domestic T20 tournament for Goa but was surprisingly left out of the 50-over competition. Alongside her, six other key players—Shreya Parab, Vinavi Gurav, Sunanda Yetrekar, Tanaya Naik, Divya Naik, and Metali Gawandar—were also excluded, signaling a potential shift in the team’s approach.
Shikha’s domestic exit comes at a time when her experience is still in high demand. A consistent performer at the highest level, she has over 120 international wickets, and is more than handy with the bat, boasting two ODI fifties.
In franchise cricket, she has shone brightly in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), where she has picked up 30 wickets for Delhi Capitals (DC). Her bowling has played a pivotal role in helping DC reach the final in all three WPL seasons to date.
Shikha Pandey, now 36, last played for India during the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, capping a career that began in 2014 and spanned all three formats. With her vast experience and consistent performances, her next domestic move will be closely watched.
