New Zealand captain Sophie Devine to retire from ODIs; World Cup 2025 will be their last encounter

New Zealand captain Sophie Devine announced on Tuesday (June 17, 2025) that she will retire from One Day International (ODI) cricket following this year’s ICC Women’s ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka (September 30 – November 2, 2025). She will, however, continue playing T20 Internationals and various franchise leagues under a “casual playing agreement” with New Zealand Cricket. This announcement came just one day before the release of the central contract list—meaning she will no longer be a centrally contracted player in the ODI squad.

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Retirement Timing & Central Contracts

• Sophie Devine, aged 35, announced her retirement from ODIs on June 17, 2025, one day before New Zealand Cricket unveiled its central contract list for 2025–26.
• Consequently, she won’t be a central contract holder in the upcoming season but will be selected for T20s under a casual playing arrangement.
• She will captain the White Ferns through the ODI World Cup and retire afterward. A new ODI captain will be appointed before the domestic season begins.

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Stellar ODI Career Achievements

Sophie Devine debuted in international ODIs in 2006 at just 17 and has since built a remarkable legacy:

• 152 ODIs, second-most in New Zealand women’s history, just behind Suzie Bates.
• 3,990 runs, with a strong chance of crossing 4,000 by the end of the World Cup—potentially moving past Debbie Hockley in the rankings.
• 8 ODI centuries, the second-highest tally in the country.
• 107 wickets, tied for second-most in New Zealand women’s ODI history alongside Lea Tahuhu.
• These dual stats—runs and wickets—cement her reputation as one of the world’s top all-rounders.

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Captaincy & T20 Impact

• Appointed full-time captain in 2020, Devine led the team to bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and victory in the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
• Her role as T20 captain continues through October 2024, though she’ll step aside after the World Cup.

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Future Plans & Rationale

• Devine plans to remain active in T20 Internationals and global franchise leagues, courtesy of existing overseas contracts.
• She stated: “This is the right time for me to gradually step back. I’m so thankful for NZC’s support…”
  “I’m fully committed to giving my best over the next six to nine months to this young squad.”

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NZC’s Response

• Liz Green, NZC’s Women’s High Performance Manager: “Sophie has given nearly 20 years to the White Ferns. We fully support her decision and are delighted that she’ll continue in the T20 format.”
• Scott Weinberg, NZC Chief Executive: “Her contribution has been extraordinary. The casual agreement will allow her to stay involved in the team environment.”

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Analysis: An Era Ends, But T20 Glitter Remains

Sophie Devine’s retirement marks the conclusion of a golden era. Her fiery performance and leadership elevated New Zealand women’s cricket to new heights:

• Her all-weather skills—batting and bowling—have been invaluable.
• Her experience offered stability and confidence to the side during key moments.
• By shifting focus to T20 and franchise cricket, she can balance compressed international play with personal and family life.

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The Upcoming Challenge: A New Captain, A New Era

Following the 2025 World Cup, NZC will appoint a new ODI captain—a pivotal move toward fresh leadership. Devine’s continued availability under a casual contract also signals an emerging mentor-player model.

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Conclusion

After an illustrious 19-year career, Sophie Devine is stepping away from ODIs but won’t be disappearing—she remains a fixture in T20 Internationals and franchise leagues. With nearly 4,000 runs, 100 + wickets, and 152 caps, her legacy is unmatched. Although her ODI chapter is closing, her vibrant presence will continue to enrich the game in its other forms.