Is NZ captain Devine retiring from ODIs after the 2025 Women’s World Cup?

Christchurch, June 17 (NationPress) Sophie Devine, the captain of New Zealand's ODI team, has announced her decision to retire from One Day Internationals following the conclusion of the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka.

Devine will take the helm for the White Ferns during the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup commencing on September 30. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has confirmed that Devine will transition to a casual playing agreement for the 2025-26 season, with plans to announce her successor before the upcoming home summer in New Zealand.

Since her debut at just 17 years old in 2016, Devine has participated in a total of 298 international matches. She became the permanent captain of the New Zealand women's team in 2020 and has led them to remarkable achievements, including securing a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and clinching New Zealand's first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title last year.

The 35-year-old has accumulated an impressive 7,421 runs, featuring eight ODI centuries and one T20I century, while also taking 226 wickets throughout her distinguished career. She ranks as New Zealand's second-highest capped female ODI player, trailing only Suzie Bates, and is poised to surpass 4,000 runs in ODIs, moving ahead of Debbie Hockley (4,064) by the end of the World Cup.

“I believe this is the appropriate moment for me to begin stepping back. I am grateful for NZC's support in finding a pathway that allows me to continue contributing to the White Ferns. It’s crucial for everyone to understand that I am fully committed to giving my all to this team before my departure. I am genuinely excited about the direction this young squad is heading and look forward to playing my role in the coming months,” stated Devine in an official NZC announcement.

Devine currently holds the second spot on New Zealand women's all-time ODI wicket-takers list, being one of only two players with over 100 wickets, alongside Lea Tahuhu.

Liz Green, NZC's Head of Women’s High Performance, emphasized that Devine has the complete backing of NZC.

“Sophie has dedicated nearly 20 years to the White Ferns, and NZC is fully supportive of her endeavor to achieve greater balance at this stage of her career. We are delighted to have reached an agreement that enables her to remain involved with the team on a case-by-case basis while opening up opportunities for another player to secure a full contract,” Green remarked.

NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink commended Devine’s contributions, stating, “Sophie has been an extraordinary leader and ambassador for the White Ferns. Supporting her transition to a casual playing agreement will ensure she can keep contributing to the team environment.”