Kiwi Skipper Sophie Devine to Retire from ODIs After 2025 World Cup

Sophie Devine, one of the top all-rounders in women’s cricket, has announced sh e will retire from ODIs after the upcoming India-Sri Lanka tour, saying it’s the right time to step away after scoring 3,990 runs and taking 107 wickets for New Zealand.

Sophie Devine said it felt like the right time to begin stepping back, but made it clear sh e remains fully committed to the team for now. “It feels like the right time for me to start stepping away,” she said. “It’s important that everyone knows I’m focused and dedicated to giving this group everything I can before I step away.” She also thanked New Zealand Cricket for their support, saying sh e feels lucky to stay involved with the White Ferns. Devine is excited about the future of the young squad and looks forward to contributing over the next six to nine months. As part of this transition, she will move to a casual playing agreement 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

Liz Green, Head of Women’s High Performance at New Zealand Cricket, praised Sophie Devine’s commitment, saying, “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 also applauded her contribution: “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 continue to lead the side as captain for the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, starting September 30.

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