New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine has announced her retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket following the upcoming 50-over World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. However, she will still participate in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) under a casual agreement with New Zealand Cricket.
Devine, now 35, shared this news a day before New Zealand’s upcoming women’s contract list announcement, revealing that she will not be among the centrally contracted players. She will lead the team during the World Cup, with a new ODI captain set to take over before the New Zealand home season.
A formidable allrounder, Devine has enjoyed an impressive 19-year ODI career since debuting in 2006 at the age of 17. On New Zealand’s all-time women’s ODIs list, she ranks second after Suzie Bates and is fourth in run-scoring history. Devine is likely to surpass 4,000 runs by the World Cup’s end, potentially overtaking Debbie Hockley. Her eight ODI centuries are second only to Bates among New Zealand women. On the bowling front, she is one of only two New Zealand women to have claimed over 100 ODI wickets, standing second behind Lea Tahuhu.
Regarding her future, Devine mentioned her desire to continue playing T20Is but on a lesser scale due to various franchise agreements overseas. “It feels like the right time for me to start stepping away,” she remarked. “I feel very fortunate to have NZC’s support in finding a solution that means I can still give to the White Ferns.”
Devine highlighted her focus on the upcoming World Cup and excitement for the squad’s development. “It’s important that everyone knows I’m focused and dedicated to giving this group everything I can before I step away,” she said.
Liz Green, Head of Women’s High Performance, expressed full support for Devine’s decision. “Sophie’s given nearly 20 years of service to the White Ferns and NZC is fully supportive of her quest to find more balance at this stage in her career,” Green noted. The arrangement allows another player to receive a full contract.
Scott Weenink, NZC’s chief executive, praised Devine’s contributions. “Sophie has been an extraordinary leader and ambassador for the White Ferns,” Weenink stated. He acknowledged her legacy as one of the game’s greatest allrounders and her dedication to supporting upcoming talent as beneficial for both herself and the team.
Alex Malcolm, the author of this piece, serves as an associate editor at ESPNcricinfo.
