Devine set to retire after Women’s World Cup and will be available for T20I cricket on a casual arrangement.
At the end of the 50-over World Cup in India and Sri Lanka later this year, Sophie Devine, the captain of New Zealand, will retire from ODI cricket. However, she will still be available for T20Is under a casual playing agreement with New Zealand Cricket.
Devine, 35, announced that she would not be joining the centrally contracted group just one day before the release of New Zealand’s 17-player women’s contract list. Devine will captain the side in the World Cup and a new ODI skipper will be appointed ahead of the home summer.
During her illustrious 19-year ODI career, which started in 2006 when she made her debut at the age of 17, Devine has established herself as one of the world’s best all-rounders. She now ranks fourth on New Zealand’s all-time women’s ODI run-scorers list and is the second-highest capped player in women’s ODIs after Suzie Bates. However, she is certain to surpass 4000 runs and surpass Debbie Hockley by the end of the World Cup. In addition, she presently holds the second-most ODI hundreds for New Zealand, after Bates, with eight.
As one of just two players with more than 100 wickets, she presently shares second place on the New Zealand women’s all-time ODI wicket-takers list with Lea Tahuhu.
“It feels like the right time for me to start stepping away,” Devine said. “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.”