New Zealand Legend to retire after ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025

New Zealand legend Sophie Devine has announced that she will retire from One-Day Internationals following the conclusion of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka later this year. The 35-year-old, widely regarded as one of the finest all-rounders of her generation, will sign a casual playing contract for the 2025–26 season, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed on Tuesday.

Devine, who has been the face of New Zealand cricket for nearly two decades, took a mental health break earlier this year and missed the entire 2025 Women’s Premier League season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. But with the World Cup in sight, she’s determined to bow out on her terms. After last year’s T20 World Cup 2024 win as well, Devine stepped away from leading New Zealand in the shortest format as well.

What did Sophie Devine say?

“It feels like the right time for me to start stepping away,” Devine said on her decision. “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.”

Having made her debut as a tailender, Devine grew into one of the most destructive top-order batters in the world. In 152 ODIs, she has scored 3990 runs – the fourth-most for New Zealand – with eight centuries and 16 half-centuries. With the ball, she has taken 107 wickets, second only to Lea Tahuhu among Kiwi women.

“Sophie’s given nearly 20 years of service to the White Ferns,” said Liz Green, NZC’s Head of Women’s High Performance. “We’re 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.”

New Zealand begin their World Cup campaign on October 1 against Australia in Indore. Devine’s successor as ODI captain will be named ahead of the New Zealand summer.