WHITE FERNS 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.
The 35-year-old has acquired 298 international caps, becoming the WHITE FERNS permanent captain in 2020, and has since led the team to new heights - including a bronze medal win at the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and a maiden ICC Women’s T20 World Cup victory last year.
Widely regarded as one of the most prolific allrounders in women’s cricket, Devine has amassed 7,421 runs including eight ODI centuries and one T20I century and has taken 226 wickets throughout her international career.
Devine said it felt like the appropriate time to retire from ODIs.
“It feels like the right time for me to start stepping away,” said Devine.
“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.”
NZC Head of Women’s High Performance Liz Green said Devine had NZC’s support in full.
“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 Green.
“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.”
NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink praised Devine’s contribution to the WHITE FERNS.
“Sophie has been an extraordinary leader and ambassador for the WHITE FERNS,” he said.
"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 lead the WHITE FERNS at the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup starting September 30, and a decision on her successor will be made ahead of the New Zealand home summer.
The 17 centrally contracted WHITE FERNS will be announced tomorrow.
