Sophie Devine Announces ODI Retirement After Women's World Cup

Sophie Devine's Retirement Announcement
Sophie Devine, the captain of New Zealand's women's cricket team and a prominent all-rounder, has revealed her decision to retire from One Day Internationals (ODIs) following this year's Women's World Cup. She made this announcement on Tuesday, June 17.
Devine, who debuted at the age of 17 in 2006, initially joined the team as a lower-order batter. Over the years, she evolved into a vital all-rounder for the White Ferns, participating in 152 ODIs, a record only surpassed by Suzie Bates in the team's history.
With a remarkable tally of 3,990 runs, including 8 centuries and 16 half-centuries, Devine ranks fourth on New Zealand's all-time ODI runs list. She is on track to surpass the 4,000-run milestone by the end of the World Cup. Additionally, she has contributed significantly with the ball, claiming 107 wickets, placing her just behind Lea Tahuhu in the team's wicket-taking records.
Reflecting on her retirement decision, Devine stated,
"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. 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."
🗣️"It's a decision that has come with considerable thought and was always going to be really hard to do." @sophdevine77 on her decision to retire from ODI cricket after the @cricketworldcup🏆 pic.twitter.com/QfxcpSdKcM
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) June 16, 2025
New Zealand's campaign in the Women's World Cup will kick off against Australia in Indore on October 1.
Support from NZC and Future Plans
Devine has been at the helm of the White Ferns during a transformative period, having taken on the captaincy in 2020 and leading the team to victory in the T20 World Cup last year. However, the team has struggled in the 50-over format, failing to progress beyond the group stages in their last two World Cup appearances.
Liz Green, the Head of Women's High Performance at New Zealand Cricket (NZC), expressed her support for Devine's decision, stating,
"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. 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."