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Wellington, June 17, 2025 – New Zealand women's captain Sophie Devine will retire from ODIs after leading the White Ferns at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
One of the game's finest all-rounders, Devine has scored 3,990 runs and taken 107 wickets in ODIs,including eight of her nine international centuries, and has taken 107 wickets - a testament to her all-round dominance over nearly two decades.
She is currently New Zealand's fourth-highest run-scorer in ODI history and one of only two players, along with Lea Tahuhu, to claim over 100 ODI wickets for the White Ferns. She will remain available for T20Is on a casual playing contract.
"It feels like the right time to start stepping away," said Devine, who led New Zealand to T20 World Cup glory in 2024.
A decision on the next ODI captain will be made ahead of the 2025–26 home season. The World Cup begins September 30.
Though stepping away from ODIs, Devine will remain available for T20 Internationals and will move to a casual playing agreement with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) for the 2025–26 season, ending her time as a centrally contracted player.
"It feels like the right time for me to start stepping away," Devine said. "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."
Devine was appointed full-time captain in 2020 and led New Zealand Women to T20 World Cup victory in 2024 - a historic triumph over South Africa that remains one of the highlights of her leadership career.
Liz Green, NZC's Head of Women's High Performance, praised Devine's contributions, 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."
NZC CEO Scott Weenink added, "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 while also nurturing the next generation."
Devine will continue as ODI skipper through the 2025 World Cup. A decision on New Zealand's new ODI captain will be made before the team's 2025–26 home season.
The Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 will be played across India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2, with co-hosts India and Sri Lanka opening the tournament in Bengaluru.
