New Zealand's white-ball stalwart and ODI captain Sophie Devine has announced she will retire from one-day internationals following the conclusion of the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka later this year.
The tournament, beginning on September 30, will mark the end of an era for the White Ferns, as Devine prepares to lead the side one last time in her preferred format.
Devine, 35, made her international debut as a teenager in 2006 and has since evolved into one of the most iconic figures in New Zealand women’s cricket. After being appointed permanent captain in 2020, she led the White Ferns through some of their most successful years — highlighted by a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and a historic ICC Women’s T20 World Cup triumph last year.
With 298 international appearances to her name, Devine has scored 7,421 runs and taken 226 wickets across formats. Her ODI record includes eight centuries and a tally of 3,990 runs, making her the fourth-highest run-scorer in New Zealand women’s ODI history.
She is expected to surpass both the 4,000-run milestone and Debbie Hockley’s 4,064-run mark during the upcoming World Cup, potentially moving into third place overall.
Devine also stands second on New Zealand's list of all-time ODI wicket-takers, behind only teammate Lea Tahuhu, cementing her status as one of the most impactful all-rounders in the game's history.
Reflecting on her decision, Devine said, “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.”
Devine confirmed she will opt for a casual playing agreement for the 2025–26 season, keeping the door open for selective appearances. NZC has yet to announce her successor, with a decision expected ahead of New Zealand’s home summer.
“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,” said Liz Green, NZC’s Head of Women’s High Performance. “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, while opening up the opportunity for another player to be contracted in full.”
NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink echoed those sentiments, calling Devine “an extraordinary leader and ambassador” for the White Ferns.
