Sophie Devine to Retire from International Cricket After T20 World Cup 2026

Sophie Devine's Retirement Announcement

Sophie Devine, the former captain of New Zealand's women's cricket team, has announced her retirement from international cricket, which will take effect after the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England. This marks her final appearance in international competitions.

Having participated in her 10th consecutive Women’s T20 World Cup, Devine has established herself as a legendary figure in women's cricket and a versatile athlete in New Zealand's sports history. Last year, she concluded her One Day International (ODI) career following the Women’s World Cup 2025.

A Dual-Sport Athlete's Journey

Sophie Devine is not only a cricketer but also a former top-level field hockey player for New Zealand's national team, the Black Sticks. For years, she juggled the demanding schedules of both sports, transitioning between hockey and cricket.

Her journey took a pivotal turn when she missed selection for the 2012 London Olympics hockey team. After having played 36 international matches, this setback prompted her to reassess her dual-sport ambitions, leading her to focus solely on cricket.

Finding Her True Passion

Initially, the disappointment of not making the Olympic squad felt like a significant setback. However, it became a turning point for Devine, who rediscovered her passion for cricket. She returned to the sport with renewed energy and soon received one of the first professional contracts from New Zealand Cricket.

This contract provided her with the financial security and professional framework that had previously been lacking, allowing her to fully commit to cricket.

A Stellar Cricketing Career

While her hockey career introduced her to the global stage, cricket became her true home. Since 2006, Devine has transformed from a promising young player into one of the most formidable all-rounders in cricket history.

Her dedication to the sport has led to remarkable achievements, including participation in five Women’s ODI World Cups and ten consecutive Women’s T20 World Cups. Under her leadership, New Zealand secured its first Women’s T20 World Cup title in 2024.

Throughout her international career, Sophie Devine has amassed over 8,100 runs and taken 240 wickets across 315 matches, underscoring her status as a world-class all-rounder.