One of the finest all-rounders in women’s cricket, Sophie Devine has announced that she will retire from ODIs after the upcoming tournament in India and Sri Lanka. Devine, who has scored 3,990 runs—including nine centuries—and taken 107 wickets for New Zealand, feels it is the right moment to step away.
“It feels like the right time for me to start stepping away,” said Devine. “It’s important that everyone knows I’m focused and dedicated to giving this group everything I can before I step away.” She added, “I feel very fortunate to have New Zealand Cricket’s support in finding a solution that means I can still give to the White Ferns. 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.”
Following this decision, Devine will take a casual playing agreement with New Zealand Cricket for the 2025–26 season instead of a full central contract, but will remain available for T20 internationals.
🗣️”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
“Sophie has been an extraordinary leader and ambassador for the White Ferns.” – Weenink
Liz Green, New Zealand Cricket’s Head of Women’s High Performance, commended Devine’s dedication: “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.”
NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink also praised her, saying: “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. Her legacy as one of the game’s greatest allrounders and her commitment to nurturing the next generation makes this a positive step for both her and the White Ferns.”
Devine will remain the captain for the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, which begins on September 30.
For More Exciting Articles: Follow RevSportz