New Delhi: The 2025 Women’s World Cup will mark the end of an era after legendary New Zealand all-rounder Sophie Devine announced that she will retire from ODIs after the marquee event in India and Sri Lanka later this year.
Devine, the Kiwi captain, is regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders of all time and a great servant of women’s cricket. The 35-year-old cricketer has amassed 3990 runs from 152 ODIs at an average of 31.66, including eight centuries during her 19-year-long career. Devine, who made her international debut in 2006 as a teenager, has also notched up 3431 runs from 146 T20Is with one century.
A military medium pacer, Devine has also picked up 107 and 119 wickets in the ODIs and T20Is, respectively. Despite her long career in international cricket, she didn’t feature in any Test.
“It feels like the right time for me to start stepping away. I feel very fortunate to have NZC’s support in finding a solution that means I can still give to the WHITE FERNS,” said Devine in a statement issued by New Zealand Cricket on Tuesday.
Devine’s statement came a day before New Zealand Cricket’s announcement of the 17 centrally contracted players. The veteran all-rounder, however, will be available for T20I cricket on a “casual playing arrangement” but will not be centrally contracted.
“It’s important that everyone knows I’m focused and dedicated to giving this group everything I can before I step away. I’m really excited by where this young group’s going and I’m looking forward to playing my part in the next six to nine months.”
Mental health break in January an indication of things to come
Devine gave an indication about her future in international cricket when she took a break from cricket to prioritise her mental health in January. Before hanging up her boots, Devine will lead the team in the ODI World Cup in September.
Since being named the captain of the White Ferns in 2020, Devine has led the Kiwis to new heights, including a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and a maiden T20 world title last year.
NZC’s head of women’s high performance Liz Green said Devine had the organisation’s full support.
“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 said.
“We’re pleased to be able to reach an agreement that means she can continue to be involved with the White Ferns on a case-by-case basis, whilst opening up the opportunity for another player to be contracted in full.” NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink praised Devine’s contribution to the White Ferns.
“Sophie has been an extraordinary leader and ambassador for the WHITE FERNS. Supporting her move to a casual playing agreement will allow her to continue contributing to the WHITE FERNS environment,” he said.
Devine’s retirement will mark the end of an era in women’s cricket, for she is a true ambassador of the game due to her positive attitude, winning mentality and leadership abilities.
The White Ferns will open their World Cup campaign against seven-time winners Australia on October 1 in Indore.
Star New Zealand all-rounder, who made her debut almost two decades ago, will call it quits from ODI cricket following the Women’s World Cup later this year. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
