Captain Sophie Devine Announces Retirement from New Zealand Women’s Cricket Team
New Zealand’s ODI captain Sophie Devine has announced her retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs) following the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, which will take place in India and Sri Lanka. As she prepares to lead the White Ferns in the tournament starting September 30, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed that Devine will transition to a casual playing agreement for the 2025-26 season. The organization will select her successor before the upcoming home summer in New Zealand.
### Sophie Devine’s Impressive Career
Sophie Devine has made a significant impact on women’s cricket since her debut at the young age of 17 in 2016. Over her illustrious career, she has participated in 298 international matches, becoming the permanent captain of the New Zealand women’s team in 2020. Under her leadership, the White Ferns have achieved remarkable milestones, including winning a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and securing their first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title last year. Devine’s career statistics are impressive; she has scored 7,421 runs, including eight ODI centuries and one T20I century, while also taking 226 wickets.
As she approaches her final World Cup, Devine is poised to make history by surpassing 4,000 runs in ODIs, setting her up to rank third on New Zealand’s all-time women’s ODI run-scorers list. She currently sits fourth, with 3,990 runs, trailing only Suzie Bates and Debbie Hockley.
### Transition to Casual Playing Agreement
In her statement, Devine expressed gratitude for NZC’s support in her decision to step back while remaining involved with the team. She emphasized her commitment to the White Ferns and her excitement about the team’s future. The agreement allows her to contribute on a case-by-case basis during the 2025-26 season. This arrangement paves the way for another player to be contracted fully, highlighting a strategic transition for the team.
Liz Green, NZC’s Head of Women’s High Performance, voiced full support for Devine’s decision, acknowledging her nearly 20 years of service to the White Ferns. Green remarked on the importance of balancing personal and professional commitments at this stage in Devine’s career, ensuring that her involvement continues while allowing for new talent to emerge.
### Legacy and Impact on Women’s Cricket
Devine’s contributions extend beyond her on-field achievements. Scott Weenink, NZC’s Chief Executive, praised her as an extraordinary leader and ambassador for women’s cricket in New Zealand. Her influence has inspired many young players and helped elevate the profile of women’s sports in the country. As she prepares for her final tournament, her legacy will undoubtedly resonate within the cricket community.
With the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup on the horizon, all eyes will be on Sophie Devine as she leads the White Ferns into what will be a significant chapter in both her career and the future of New Zealand women’s cricket.
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