New Zealand’s star all-rounder and skipper Sophie Devine will retire from One-Day Internationals after leading the White Ferns at the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
The 35-year-old confirmed her decision ahead of what will be her final ODI tournament starting September 30.
Sophie Devine To Retire
Devine, who has played 298 international matches for New Zealand, has had a standout career. Since becoming the team’s full-time captain in 2020, she has led them to notable successes, including a bronze medal at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and a historic T20 World Cup win last year.
News | ODI captain Sophie Devine will retire from one day internationals at the conclusion of the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, and will therefore opt for a casual playing agreement for the 2025-26 season. Story | https://t.co/hpx54eBwqd 📰 pic.twitter.com/9TimJQKXNj
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) June 16, 2025
A powerful presence on the field, Devine has accumulated 7,421 international runs, including eight centuries in ODIs and one in T20Is, and taken 226 wickets.
“It feels like the right time for me to start stepping away,” Devine said via the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) website. “I feel very fortunate to have NZC’s support in finding a solution that means I can still give to the White Ferns. It’s important that everyone knows 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 Signs Flexible Playing Contract With NZC
Though Devine is stepping back from ODIs, she will continue contributing to the team in a new way. She will sign a “casual playing agreement” with NZC for the 2025-26 season. This flexible arrangement will allow her to remain available for selected matches and mentoring roles.
“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,” said Liz Green, NZC’s Head of Women’s High Performance. “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.”
NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink praised her long-standing impact: “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 all-rounders and her commitment to nurturing the next generation makes this a positive step for both her and the White Ferns.”
NZC will announce Devine’s ODI successor ahead of the New Zealand home summer.
