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Sophie Devine Announces ODI Retirement After 2025 World Cup, Set to Transition to Casual Playing Role
New Zealand Captain Sophie Devine to Step Away from ODIs Post World Cup 2025
Veteran all-rounder and New Zealand captain Sophie Devine has officially announced that she will retire from One-Day Internationals (ODIs) following the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, which is set to be held later this year. The 35-year-old stalwart will continue to remain available for T20Is but will opt for a casual playing agreement for the 2025–26 season, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed on Tuesday, June 17.
Devine’s decision marks the beginning of a significant transition in New Zealand women’s cricket, as one of the sport’s longest-serving and most impactful figures plans her departure after nearly two decades of international service.
A Prolific Career Spanning 150+ ODIs and Multiple Records
Sophie Devine’s contributions to the White Ferns in ODIs have been nothing short of remarkable. From her debut as a No. 11 in the batting order to becoming one of the team’s most dependable top-order batters, her evolution as a player exemplifies resilience and leadership.
Devine’s ODI Statistics at a Glance
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Matches: 152 (Second-most after Suzie Bates)
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Runs Scored: 3990 (Fourth-highest for New Zealand)
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Centuries: 8 (Second only to Bates)
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Fifties: 16
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Wickets Taken: 107 (Second-most behind Lea Tahuhu)
Her dual role as an aggressive batter and medium pacer has made her a crucial asset in both departments. Her longevity and consistency reflect her incredible fitness, mindset, and commitment to the sport.
Devine’s Legacy: Captaincy and T20 World Cup Glory
Appointed as New Zealand’s permanent captain in 2020, Devine led the White Ferns through a period of transition and growth. Her crowning achievement as skipper came last year when she guided the team to victory in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup—their first major ICC title in recent years.
“It feels like the right time for me to start stepping away,” said Devine on her retirement.
“I’m grateful to NZC for helping me strike a balance. But before I step away, I’m fully committed to this group for the next six to nine months.”
Despite her leadership success in T20Is, the White Ferns struggled in recent ODI World Cups, failing to reach the knockout stages in the past two editions. Nevertheless, Devine remains focused on giving her all for one last campaign.
🔗 Related Post: New Zealand’s T20 World Cup Triumph: How Devine’s Captaincy Turned the Tide
A New Era Begins: Casual Contract Opens Door for Emerging Talent
Following Devine’s shift to a casual playing agreement, NZC’s Head of Women’s High Performance, Liz Green, confirmed that this will allow space for another cricketer to enter the centrally contracted players list, which comprises 17 members and is due to be announced on June 18.
“Sophie has given nearly 20 years to New Zealand cricket,” said Green.
“This arrangement allows her to continue contributing when possible, while also creating new opportunities for the next generation.”
This strategic move will also allow NZC to manage its player resources better while giving rising stars the exposure they need at the highest level.
What’s Next for Sophie Devine and the White Ferns?
The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 begins on October 1, with New Zealand facing arch-rivals Australia in Indore. This will be Devine’s final campaign in the 50-over format. Her successor as ODI captain is expected to be named before the beginning of the New Zealand home summer later this year.
As Devine prepares for her final ODI stint, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how one of cricket’s most versatile players bows out of a format she has graced with distinction.
Sophie Devine’s upcoming retirement from ODIs marks the end of a golden chapter in New Zealand women’s cricket. Her record, leadership, and passion for the game have left an indelible mark. While her time in 50-over cricket comes to a close, her impact will echo in the dressing room and beyond. As she shifts to a more balanced lifestyle, she remains a mentor and inspiration for the next generation of White Ferns cricketers.
🔗Official ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Schedule – ICC
