Sophie Devine, New Zealand’s famous skipper, has announced her retirement from one-day internationals following the 2025 Women’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka later this year. While the veteran all-rounder has decided to retire from the 50-over format, she will be available for T20Is under a casual playing agreement.
The 35-year-old made her ODI debut as a 17-year-old in 2006, and nearly two decades later, she is regarded as one of New Zealand’s greatest ever players. With 152 ODI appearances, she is New Zealand’s second-most capped player, after only Suzie Bates. Devine has 3990 runs, eight hundreds, and 107 wickets, ranking second among her countrywomen.
“It feels like the proper time for me to begin stepping back. I consider myself extremely lucky to have received NZC’s assistance in finding a solution that allows me to continue donating to the White Ferns. It is critical that everyone understands that I am committed to giving this group everything I have before I leave. “I’m excited about where this young group is going, and I’m looking forward to playing my part over the next six to nine months,” Devine said of her choice.
🗣️”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
Sophie Devine given nearly 20 years of service to the White Ferns: Liz Green
Having led the team since 2020, Devine played an important role in guiding a young squad. Under her leadership, the White Ferns lifted their first-ever ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title last year. However, in ODIs, she ha not been able to progress the White Ferns beyond the group stage in the previous two World Cups. Meanwhile, the New Zealand Cricket has supported her decision, mentioning her immense contributions to this game and the country.
“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. 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, whilst opening up the opportunity for another player to be contracted in full,” said Liz Green, NZC Head of Women’s High Performance.
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