Sophie Devine Eyes ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 Amid Retirement Thoughts
Sophie Devine's Focus on Future Tournaments
Auckland [New Zealand], March 20: New Zealand all-rounder Sophie Devine is setting her sights on the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, following her team's triumph in the T20 World Cup last year. During her recent break from cricket, she contemplated retirement.
Devine, who last represented the White Ferns in December during an ODI against Australia, is preparing to rejoin the national squad for the T20I series against Australia, commencing in Auckland this Friday.
At 35 years old, Devine led New Zealand to victory in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup last year. She candidly shared that thoughts of retirement crossed her mind during her time away from the sport.
“To be completely honest? Yes, retirement was on my mind,” Devine stated to reporters, as reported by ICC. “I had to process those thoughts. Unfortunately, I’m not getting any younger, so it’s natural for those ideas to surface.”
“However, I’m just thrilled to be here, focusing on each day and enjoying my time with the White Ferns,” she added.
Devine noted that the upcoming ODI World Cup in India later this year significantly influenced her decision to continue her career with the White Ferns. New Zealand last claimed the World Cup title in 2000 and now has a unique chance to hold both the T20 and ODI world championships simultaneously.
“We have a major World Cup approaching later this year, and I hope to be part of it,” Devine expressed. “The World Cup is certainly a significant factor. I still feel I have more to contribute in the black shirt.”
Although she hasn’t played a competitive match since January 24, when she participated in the Women’s Super Smash for Wellington, Devine emphasized that her time off has only intensified her love for the game, reinforcing her desire to wear the White Ferns jersey.
“The opportunity was there, but I was also at peace with the idea of being done, having had a great run. However, watching the girls play over the past few weeks has reignited a strong desire to compete,” she concluded.
New Zealand and Australia are set to clash in a three-match T20I series starting March 21.