22 May 2022After 10 seasons with Northern Districts Ish Sodhi will be moving to Canterbury for the 2022/23 domestic season.
Having shifted with his young family to Christchurch, Sodhi’s transfer to Canterbury is one with that comes with their best interests at heart.
“It’s been a really difficult decision, I’ve spent ten years of my life with ND, but the last couple of years have been tough with Covid and with a young family and the time required to travel to play it is the right decision for right now.”
“I’ve made some incredible friendships at Northern Districts and leave with some great memories.” said Sodhi.
The leg-spinner made his debut in the 2012–13 Plunket Shield season and has gone on to represent Northern Districts in 59 first-class matches, 39 list-A matches, and 65 T20s.
Sodhi played a key role in last season’s successful Northern Brave Super Smash campaign,
etching his name in cricket's history books along the way with the most economical figures in domestic T20 history of 2-5 from his four overs against the Auckland Aces.
Fittingly, Sodhi captained ND in his final game for the association, leading a team with seven debutants in the Plunket Shield after Covid-19 and availability ripped through the squad.
Sodhi leaves with the full support of Northern Districts who acknowledge the sacrifices he and his family have made to commute from Christchurch to train and play.
“Ish has been a proud and committed Northern Districts player, and I’m sure it hasn’t been an easy decision for him to make but he goes to Canterbury with our blessing.
“We worked with Ish to provide as best as we could for him and his family last summer and are fully supportive of him doing the right thing for them and their future,” said CEO Ben MacCormack.
Head Coach of Northern Districts’ Men’s Programme, Graeme Aldridge also acknowledged the influence Sohdi had during his time.
“Ish has been a massive part of our association for a number of years, the enthusiasm he brings when he turns out for ND is infectious and it spreads through the group.”
Despite being sad to farewell the Northern Districts family, Sodhi is thankful for the opportunities presented and the foundation it sets for the next phase of his career.
“When I first moved to ND I was 19-years-old, and I probably struggled in social situations but ND gave me the environment to be a great cricketer and I learnt to be more comfortable off the field as well.”
“So, while I leave with a heavy heart, I think the fact I can make such a bold choice now speaks volumes to what I have learnt during my time at ND,” Sodhi reflected.
