Month: March 2025

A divided Supreme Court of the US on Wednesday rejected the Trump administration’s request to keep billions of dollars in foreign aid approved by Congress frozen, CNN reported.

The court did not immediately say when the funds must be released, allowing the White House to continue to dispute the issue in lower courts. The ruling was 5-4, as per CNN.

The majority noted that given a court-ordered deadline to spend the money last week had already passed, the lower courts should “clarify what obligations the government must fulfil to ensure compliance with the temporary restraining order.”

In a strongly worded dissent, a conservative judge wrote that he was “stunned” by the court’s decision to permit the lower-court judge to order the administration to unfreeze the foreign aid at issue in the case.

She added: “A federal court has many tools to address a party’s supposed nonfeasance. Self-aggrandizement of its jurisdiction is not one of them.”

The appeal raced to the high court within days – exceedingly fast by the federal judiciary’s standards. It is the second case to reach the justices dealing with Trump’s moves to consolidate power within the executive branch and dramatically reshape the government after taking power in January, as per CNN.

At the center of the case is billions in foreign aid from the State Department and the US Agency for International Development that Trump froze in January as he sought to clamp down spending and bring those agencies in line with his agenda. Several non-profit groups that rely on the funding for global health and other programs sued, asserting that the administration’s moves usurped the power of Congress to control government spending and violated a federal law that dictates how agencies make decisions, CNN reported.

In a brief on Friday, the groups described the administration’s actions as having a “devastating” impact.

They told the court that the funding “advances US interests abroad and improves – and, in many cases, literally saves – the lives of millions of people across the globe.”

“In doing so, it helps stop problems like disease and instability overseas before they reach our shores,” the groups said, as per CNN.

US District Judge Amir Ali on February 13 ordered that much of the money continue to flow on a temporary basis while he reviewed the case. Days later, the plaintiffs argued that the administration was defying that order and continuing to block the spending and Ali then ordered the Trump administration to spend the money at issue by midnight Wednesday. Ali was named to the bench by Former US President Joe Biden, as per CNN.

The Trump administration rushed an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court hours before that deadline, urging the court to at least pause it for a few days. The administration is making “substantial efforts” to review payment requests and spend the money, the government argued, but it couldn’t turn meet the Ali’s timeline.

The groups that sued ridiculed that explanation, arguing that a small number of political appointees within the administration “are refusing to authorize essentially any payments.”

“The government has not taken ‘any meaningful steps’ to come into compliance,” the groups said a Supreme Court filing earlier on Friday.

Among the groups challenging the freeze are the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition, a New York-based organization working to speed HIV prevention and the Global Health Council, based in Washington, DC, which represents other groups that administer health programs.

The Trump administration revealed in court filings in the case that it is attempting to terminate more than 90 per cent of the USAID foreign aid awards.

“In total, nearly 5,800 USAID awards were terminated, and more than 500 USAID awards were retained,” a filing from the administration said.

“The total ceiling value of the retained awards is approximately USD 57 billion,” the filing said.

In addition to the USAID award terminations, “approximately 4,100 State awards were terminated, and approximately 2,700 State awards were retained,” the government told a lower court, referring to the State Department.

Aid programs around the world have ground to a halt due to the sweeping funding freeze and review of billions of dollars of assistance. It also comes as the Trump administration has either placed the majority of USAID’s workforce on leave or terminated them. (ANI)

Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan has shared her heartfelt birthday wishes for Ibrahim Ali Khan, who is all set to make his debut on the silver screen with the upcoming Netflix film ‘Nadaaniyan’.

Kareena expressed her excitement for Ibrahim’s debut and couldn’t contain her enthusiasm for his performance.

Taking to Instagram, Kareena posted a picture of Ibrahim, affectionately referring to him as “the best boy” and writing, “Happy Birthday to the best boy. Can’t wait to see you on the silver screen.”

Ibrahim, who is the brother of actress Sara Ali Khan, and son of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, is celebrating his special day today, and his debut in ‘Nadaaniyan’ is highly anticipated by fans and the industry alike.

‘Nadaaniyan’, which will premiere on Netflix on March 7, 2025, also stars Khushi Kapoor, the younger daughter of the late Sridevi and Boney Kapoor.

The film marks the beginning of a promising career for Ibrahim, who plays the role of Arjun Mehta, alongside Khushi Kapoor as Pia Jai Singh.

The trailer, released on March 1, 2025, has already generated a lot of buzz, offering a sneak peek into the whirlwind romance between the two leads, who come from vastly different worlds but are drawn to each other through an unlikely arrangement.

Directed by Shauna Gautam and produced by Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra under Dharmatic Entertainment, ‘Nadaaniyan’ promises to be a heartfelt rollercoaster ride of emotions, filled with romance, drama, and humour.

The film also boasts an impressive supporting cast, including Mahima Chaudhary, Suniel Shetty, Dia Mirza, and Jugal Hansraj in key roles.

The film is set to be released on Netflix on March 7, 2025. (ANI)

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has expressed his admiration for Anant Ambani’s wildlife conservation project, Vantara, located in Gujarat’s Jamnagar.

SRK’s post comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the world’s largest wildlife research center, which Anant Ambani has been instrumental in developing.

Vantara is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and conserving wildlife and has become a beacon of compassion for animals in distress.

Taking to his X handle, Shah Rukh Khan replied to a post by PM Modi, and shared a post celebrating Anant Ambani’s efforts, echoing the sentiments of Prime Minister Modi, who had earlier lauded the center’s remarkable work in wildlife preservation.

SRK’s post read, “Animals deserve love, and they need protection and care… for their health & that of our planet. PM @narendramodi’s presence at Vantara reinforces the importance of this. The purity of a person’s heart is directly proportional to their love for animals. Vantara and Anant’s commitment to providing a sanctuary to unfortunate animals is a testament to that. Keep it up Beta!!”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Vantara, the world’s largest wildlife research center in Jamnagar, and inaugurated the state-of-the-art conservation and rehabilitation project.

PM Modi commended Anant Ambani and his team for their dedication to the welfare of animals, calling Vantara a “vibrant example” of India’s longstanding tradition of protecting all living beings.

During his visit, PM Modi shared several heartwarming glimpses of the center, highlighting the distressing yet hopeful stories of various animals.

Among them was an elephant that had been a victim of an acid attack and was receiving treatment at Vantara.

Other cases included elephants that had been blinded by their Mahouts and one struck by a speeding truck. The Prime Minister condemned such cruelty, urging the public to show kindness toward animals.

“Let us put an end to such irresponsibility and focus on kindness towards animals,” PM Modi wrote in a post on X, addressing the cruelty faced by some animals.

The center’s efforts to rehabilitate animals, including a lioness with severe spinal injuries and a leopard cub abandoned by its family, were also showcased.

Vantara, which houses some of the most endangered species, provides facilities designed to mirror the natural habitat of the animals.

Among the various species being cared for at the center are Asiatic Lions, Snow Leopards, One-Horned Rhinoceroses, and more.

The center boasts a comprehensive wildlife hospital equipped with advanced medical facilities such as MRI machines, CT scanners, and ICUs to treat the animals in their care.

PM Modi interacted with the resident animals, including Asiatic Lion cubs, White Lion cubs, and Clouded Leopard cubs.

The White Lion cub, which was born at Vantara, symbolized the center’s successful breeding and conservation programs.

PM Modi also visited the elephant hospital, the largest of its kind in the world, which provides vital care to elephants suffering from ailments like arthritis.

Further, the Prime Minister saw hydrotherapy pools for elephants, which aid in the recovery of foot problems, and witnessed various life-saving surgeries, such as one involving a leopard rescued from a highway accident.

Anant Ambani, the driving force behind Vantara, has shown a deep commitment to wildlife conservation and animal welfare.

His involvement in rescuing and rehabilitating animals has earned him widespread recognition. The center’s initiatives not only focus on rescuing animals but also work toward ecological balance and promoting awareness about wildlife preservation.

Vantara is a sanctuary where animals that have been abused or abandoned find refuge and receive expert care. (ANI)

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday slammed the BJP government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing the Indian economy to a crossroads, and the middle class crying out for relief.

He questioned PM Modi on the worsening economic condition of the country after India’s stock market has been witnessing a bloodbath over the past few trading sessions.

Tagging PM Modi in a social media post on X, he blamed him for his economic policies that have led to stagnation, hardship, and empty pockets.

“Recession, poverty and pocket-bankruptcy – this is the essence of the economy you run,” he said. This comes after Nifty registered a 10-day losing streak amid multiple triggers, including relentless selling by foreign investors and fears of an escalating trade war.

Kharge said that the promise of a better life is slowly slipping away, as women are forced to mortgage their gold jewellry to make ends meet.

“You talked about “stealing the mangalsutra”. That has now come true. Under your rule, women have been forced to mortgage their gold jewellery,” he wrote on X.

The Congress chief said that between 2019 and 2024, a staggering 4 crore women took loans worth Rs 4.7 lakh crore by pledging their gold, a stark reminder of the economic hardship faced by the middle class.

“Between 2019 and 2024, 4 crore women have taken loans worth Rs 4.7 lakh crore by pledging their gold. Gold loans accounted for 38% of the total loans taken by women in 2024. RBI data in February 2025 showed that gold loans grew by a massive 71.3% in a year,” said Kharge.

He blamed PM Modi for implementing demonetization, making women’s savings disappear, and now inflation and decreasing domestic savings have forced them to mortgage their most valuable possessions – their jewellery.

“First you made the women’s Stridhan disappear by implementing demonetization, now due to inflation and falling household savings, they are forced to mortgage their most valuable thing – their jewellery,” alleged Kharge.

The situation is further exacerbated by the rising cost of living, which has eroded the purchasing power of the middle class. The Russia-Ukraine war has triggered a severe cost-of-living crisis, with prices of essentials doubling in a year. The middle class is struggling to afford necessities like housing, food, and healthcare.

Kharge further said that the state of the economy has become dire under PM Modi’s leadership, adding that middle-class families who buy two-wheelers are now unable to repay their loans.

“You have worsened the condition of the economy to such an extent that our middle class families who bought two-wheelers are now unable to repay their loans,” Kharge added.

Due to increasing loan defaults, two-wheeler financiers are reducing loan disbursements for the first time since 2019. 75% of people buy two-wheelers on loan to repay it gradually, but economic hardship has led to Rs2 lakh crore of pending debt as of September 2024, with an increase of Rs40,000 crore in just a year. In February 2025, two-wheeler sales saw a 6% decline.

“75% of people buy two-wheelers on loan so that they can repay it slowly, but the financial crunch is so severe that as compared to last year, the loan outstanding till September 2024 is about Rs 2 lakh crore, which has increased by Rs 40,000 crore in a year. Two-wheeler sales have declined by 6% in February 2025,” said Kharge.

The Indian stock market has been experiencing a severe downturn, and market experts attribute this trend to two primary factors.

Firstly, the rise in US bond yields has led to a shift in investor sentiment, with many opting for the relatively safer and more lucrative US bond market.

Secondly, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) are increasingly favoring the Chinese market over the Indian market, further exacerbating the downturn. (ANI)

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday said that the budget of Delhi will fulfil the expectations of people and for this purpose she will herself meet woman, families, youth and professionals from different sectors.

Addressing a press conference, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta said, “I will go and meet sisters and families in slum areas, I will talk to them regarding the expectations they have from this govt. Discussions will be held with youths and professionals from different sectors. The budget of Delhi will fulfil the expectations of people.”

The Chief Minister also took a dig at the opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and stated that nobody has to remind the government about their agenda. This comes after AAP leaders put up posters and banners at the ITO Flyover to protest against the BJP-led Delhi government’s delay in implementing the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana.

“We will fulfil all the promises we have mentioned in our manifesto whether it is the scheme of Rs 2,100 to all women or cylinder. Nobody has to remind us that our agenda will carry on, not theirs (AAP)” CM Gupta said.

Earlier today, Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra emphasized that the upcoming budget of the national capital will be the budget of the people of Delhi in which all the suggestions from all sections will be inducted.

“It is CM Rekha Gupta’s decision that the budget be prepared after consulting the people of Delhi. She is meeting women, and after that, she will meet businessmen in Delhi. We will look at the suggestions received from everyone and then include them in the budget. This will be the budget of the people of Delhi,” Mishra told ANI.

On Monday, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the Budget for ‘Viksit Delhi’ will be presented in the Assembly between March 24 and 26, in which the government will strive to take suggestions from all sections of the society.

Addressing a press conference in the national capital, Chief Minister Gupta emphasized that the budget will be a ‘Viksit Delhi’ budget, prioritizing Delhi’s development.

“The Viksit Delhi Budget 2025-26 will be presented between March 24 and March 26. The government will strive to take all sections of society along for the development of Delhi, incorporating their suggestions,” the Chief Minister said.

Gupta said, “Financial assistance for women, expansion of health services, promoting public transport, reducing pollution, cleaning the Yamuna, employment, welfare of senior citizens, and other important issues were part of our manifesto. Our aim now is to take into account the priorities of the people of Delhi and prepare the budget outline accordingly.”

“Instructions have been given to officials of all departments to include the suggestions of all stakeholders to increase public participation and incorporate them into the budget. To facilitate this, an email (ViksitDelhiBudget_25@delhi.gov.in) and WhatsApp number (999962025) have been launched, allowing any citizen of Delhi to submit their suggestions,” the Delhi Chief minister added. (ANI)

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the Kedarnath ropeway project. The ropeway, with a total length of 12.9 kilometres, will come up with a monetary outlay of about Rs 4,081 crore.

The ropeway project will be from Sonprayag to Kedarnath.

The project will be developed on Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) mode at a total capital cost of Rs 4,081.28 crore.

The ropeway is planned to be developed in public-private partnership and will be based on the most advanced Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology with a design capacity of 1,800 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD) carrying 18,000 passengers per day.

The ropeway project will be a boon to the pilgrims visiting Kedarnath as it would provide an environment-friendly, comfortable and fast connectivity and reduce travel time in one direction from about 8 to 9 hours to about 36 minutes.

The ropeway project will also generate substantial employment opportunities during construction and operations as well as in allied tourism industries like hospitality, travel, foods & beverages (F&B) and tourism throughout the year.

The development of ropeway project is a significant step towards fostering balanced socio-economic development, enhancing last – mile connectivity in hilly regions and fostering rapid economic growth.

The journey to the Kedarnath temple is a challenging 16-km uphill trek from Gaurikund and is currently covered on foot or by ponies, palanquins and helicopter.

The proposed ropeway is planned to provide convenience to pilgrims visiting the temple and ensure all-weather connectivity between Sonprayag and Kedarnath.

Kedarnath is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas situated at an elevation of 3,583 m (11968 ft) in the Rudraprayag district of the State of Uttarakhand. The temple is open for pilgrims for about 6 to 7 months in a year from Akshaya Tritiya (April-May) to Diwali (October-November) and is visited by about 20 lakh pilgrims annually during the season. (ANI)

Actress Ranya Rao has been arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Bengaluru for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kilograms of gold from Dubai.

The actress, known for her roles in films like ‘Maanikya’ and ‘Pataki,’ was apprehended at Kempegowda International Airport (KIAD) in Bengaluru on the evening of March 3, 2025.

Ranya, who is the stepdaughter of DGP Dr K Ramachandra Rao, was produced before a special court judge for financial offences on the evening of March 4.

Following the hearing, the judge ordered that she be sent to judicial custody until March 18, 2025.

According to DRI officials, Ranya had arrived in Bengaluru from Dubai on an Emirates flight. The DRI team had been tipped off about her involvement in gold smuggling, and they had stationed themselves at the airport two hours prior to her arrival. After her flight landed around 7 PM, she was arrested and taken into custody.

Before being transferred to judicial custody, Ranya underwent a medical examination at Bowring Hospital in Bengaluru.

During questioning, she claimed that her visit to Dubai was for business purposes. However, DRI officials allege that she was in possession of gold, which was being smuggled into India illegally.

The gold found in her possession weighed a total of 14.8 kilograms, a significant amount that has raised concerns over the extent of the smuggling operation.

At present, Ranya remains in judicial custody as the DRI continues its investigation into the case. (ANI)

Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar suspended Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi for the entire duration of the ongoing budget session on Wednesday over his remarks on Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. A proposal was brought in the Maharashtra Assembly today against Azmi’s remarks.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandrakant Patil said in the House that Azmi’s objectionable statement had hurt the dignity of the House, leading to the proposal to suspend his membership for this session, which the Speaker passed.

Azmi had reportedly said that Aurangzeb was not a “cruel administrator” and “built many temples”. He added that the battle between the Mughal emperor and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was for state administration and not about Hindu and Muslim.

Earlier on Tuesday, Abu Azmi said that his words had been twisted and that he was ready to take back his statement and apologise if sentiments were hurt.

“My words have been twisted. I have said what historians and writers have claimed about Aurangzeb Rahmatullah Ali,” Azmi said.

“I have not made any derogatory comment about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj or any other great men – but still if anyone has been hurt by my statement, then I take back my words, my statement,” Azmi said in a video on his X.

The MLA and Samajwadi Party chief on Maharashtra also said that the issue was being politicised.

“The issue is being made a political issue, and I think that closing the budget session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly because of this is causing harm to the people of Maharashtra,” Azmi said.

Earlier, a zero FIR was registered against Azmi in the Naupada Police Station of Thane and was transferred to the Marine Drive police station in Mumbai in connection with his remarks on Aurangzeb.

The FIR was lodged based on a complaint lodged by Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske.

The BJP latched on to Azmi’s remarks and questioned INDIA bloc members as to why they were trying to glorify Aurangzeb. (ANI)

AAP leader Rituraj Jha, along with other AAP volunteers, put up a banner at the ITO Flyover on Wednesday to protest against the BJP-led Delhi government’s delay in implementing the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana.

Earlier, Delhi Assembly Leader of Opposition Atishi, along with AAP MLAs and volunteers, staged a protest against the BJP-led Delhi government on Tuesday over the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana.

Speaking to ANI, AAP Leader Rituraj Jha said, “During a rally in Dwarka on January 30th, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had guaranteed that Rs 2,500 per month would be transferred to the accounts of mothers and sisters. He said that with Women’s Day just three days away, on March 8th, Rs 2,500 would be credited to the accounts of all mothers and sisters.”

Jha added that the women of Delhi are eagerly waiting for this promise to be fulfilled. Further, he said, “You may have made promises across the country that were later dismissed as jokes, but in Delhi, you made a guarantee–‘ this is Modi’s guarantee’–that Rs 2,500 would come on Women’s Day.”

He continued to reiterate that the women of Delhi were waiting for Modi to deliver on his promise. “We are asking, when will Rs 2,500 come? You have repeatedly said that it will be passed in the cabinet and credited to women’s accounts on March 8th. But now, with only a few days left, we still don’t know when the money will come. How many meetings will you hold? What will happen to the mothers and sisters who are waiting for their Rs 2,500?”

On Tuesday, while addressing the gathering, LoP Atishi said they were not protesting but waiting for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement the scheme. “We are not protesting. We are waiting. Modi Ji said that the first instalment of Rs 2,500 would be credited to all women’s bank accounts in Delhi. He had said it was his guarantee. Four days are left. So we are waiting,” she said.

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta hosted a ‘Jan Milan Samaroh’ at her residence on Wednesday, where a large number of people gathered to extend their greetings. Citizens and supporters presented bouquets and gifts to the Chief Minister as they met her during the event. The program witnessed enthusiastic participation, with attendees engaging in discussions with the Chief Minister. Several dignitaries and party workers were also present at the gathering. (ANI)

Aussie star batsmen Steve Smith has officially bid farewell to One-Day International (ODI) cricket, bringing an end to a distinguished 50-over career following Australia’s four-wicket loss to India in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final in Dubai.

Despite stepping away from ODIs, the 35-year-old will be available to represent Australia in Test and T20I cricket. His decision to be there for the shortest format could be influenced by a potential opportunity to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will feature in the form of T20Is.

“It has been a great ride and I have loved every minute of it,” Smith said in a release, as quoted from the official website of cricket.com.au.

Smith informed his teammates about his decision following the semi-final defeat and later explained that the timing felt right.

“It feels like the right time to make way,” Smith said.

“There have been so many amazing times and wonderful memories. Winning two World Cups was a great highlight along with the many fantastic teammates who shared the journey,” he added.

“Now is a great opportunity for people to start preparing for the 2027 ODI World Cup so it feels like the right time to make way,” he said.

“Test cricket remains a priority and I am really looking forward to the World Test Championship final, the West Indies in the winter and then England at home. I feel I still have a lot to contribute on that stage,” Smith noted.

Smith’s ODI career spanned 170 matches, making him Australia’s 16th most-capped player in the format. With 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28 and a strike rate of 86.96 per 100 balls faced, he leaves the game as the country’s 12th-highest run-scorer in ODIs. His tally includes 12 centuries and 35 fifties, with a career-best knock of 164 against New Zealand at the SCG in 2016.

Of the 11 Australian players who have scored more ODI runs than Smith, only David Warner (strike rate 97.26) and Adam Gilchrist (96.89) have done so at a quicker pace.

Smith also captained Australia in 64 ODIs, maintaining a 50% win record. Under his leadership, Australia secured series victories against England and India in his first year as full-time captain, won the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy, and triumphed in a tri-series featuring South Africa and West Indies in 2016. More recently, he led Australia to a 3-0 series sweep over West Indies in Pat Cummins’ absence during the 2023-24 home season.

A proven performer on the biggest stages, Smith was a vital part of Australia’s World Cup-winning squads in 2015 and 2023. In the 2015 final against New Zealand at the MCG, he sealed the victory with the winning runs. Four years later, he played a key role in the 2019 World Cup, marking his return to international cricket alongside David Warner after a 12-month ban.

His contributions in ICC tournaments were fittingly highlighted in his final ODI match, where he top-scored for Australia with 73 off 96 balls before being bowled by Mohammed Shami.

While Smith’s only World Cup century came in the 2015 semi-final against India at the SCG, he holds the record for the most World Cup half-centuries by an Australian batter, with 10–surpassing Michael Clarke and Adam Gilchrist’s tally of eight.

Defensively, he was also one of Australia’s most reliable fielders, taking 90 catches in ODIs at an average of 0.53 per innings. Among Australian players with at least 70 ODI catches, only Glenn Maxwell (0.61) and Mike Hussey (0.57) have better ratios. His remarkable one-handed catches, including a stunning effort to dismiss BJ Watling in the same match where he scored his career-high 164, remain etched in memory.

Smith’s retirement marks the beginning of a transition for Australia’s ODI setup as they prepare for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. His long-time teammate David Warner has already stepped away from international cricket, and several key players from the 2023 World Cup-winning squad were missing from the Champions Trophy semi-final, including Cummins (ankle), Josh Hazlewood (hip), Mitchell Marsh (back), and Mitchell Starc (personal reasons). Additionally, Marcus Stoinis announced his ODI retirement last month.

With veterans like Glenn Maxwell (36), Alex Carey (33), and Adam Zampa (32) approaching the later stages of their careers, Australia is in the midst of a rebuilding phase.

National Selection Panel chair George Bailey acknowledged Smith’s contributions, stating, “We fully understand and support Steve’s decision to retire from One-Day International cricket,” as quoted from the official website of cricket.com.au.

“Steve has said on many occasions he is approaching the remainder of his playing career on a series-by-series basis, a position which hasn’t changed and one Cricket Australia supports,” Bailey said.

“His record as a batter across 170 games is exemplary and to leave the format as a two-time World Cup winner cements his legacy as one of the great Australian ODI players,” the statement added.

“From an NSP standpoint, Steve remains fully committed to Test cricket and is an integral member of and leader within that team,” the statement noted.

Cricket Australia’s CEO Todd Greenberg also congratulated Smith on his achievements, highlighting his impact on Australian cricket.

“Congratulations to Steve on an amazing One-Day International career during which he has made a vast contribution to Australia’s performances in the 50-over format,” he said, as quoted from the official website of cricket.com.au.

“Right up until his final ODI innings Steve exhibited an incredible ability to accumulate runs in all conditions and his astute leadership has been crucial in the team’s ongoing success including the 2015 and 2023 ICC World Cup victories,” he added.

“We’re fortunate Steve still has much to offer in the Test and T20 arenas and I look forward to witnessing the next stage of one of cricket’s great careers,” he noted. (ANI)