New Zealand captain Sophie Devine has announced she’ll retire from ODIs after this year’s World Cup in India. She says it’s time to step back. This comes just a day before New Zealand Cricket reveals a list of 17 players for central contracts and she won’t be on it.
Devine has been captain since 2020 and led the team to victory in the T20 World Cup last year in Dubai. She’s played 152 ODIs and 146 T20 internationals and has scored 3990 runs in ODIs since her debut in 2006 against Australia.
At 35 she’ll still play T20Is but not under a central contract. She’ll be involved on a more casual basis. “I feel like it’s time for me to start stepping away,” she said. “I’m focused on giving my all to this team before I go. I’m really excited about this young group and can’t wait to contribute in the next six to nine months.
Liz Green, head of Women’s High Performance, said Devine has an agreement with NZC to play on a case-by-case basis. “Sophie has given nearly 20 years to the White Ferns and we support her decision to seek a better balance in her career,” Green said. “We’re happy to have an arrangement that lets her stay involved while also giving another player a full contract.”
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NZC chief executive Scott Weenink praised her leadership and impact on the team. “Sophie has been a great leader and role model for the White Ferns,” he said. “This will let her keep making a difference while also making way for new talent.” The Women’s World Cup is in India and Sri Lanka from September to November.
