An era of New Zealand cricket is set to draw to a close as White Ferns captain and all-round superstar Sophie Devine has announced she will retire from One-Day International (ODI) cricket following the 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup.
The tournament, set to be held in India and Sri Lanka, will be the final 50-over campaign for one of the game's most decorated and dominant players.
Devine, a powerhouse with both bat and ball, has been a pillar of the White Ferns for nearly two decades. Her ODI statistics alone paint a picture of a true great: 3990 runs, including eight of her nine international centuries, and an impressive 107 wickets. Her ability to change a game in a matter of overs has made her one of the most feared and respected all-rounders in the history of women's cricket.
The Right Time to Step Away
"It feels like the right time for me to start stepping away," Devine said. "I feel very fortunate to have New Zealand Cricket's support in finding a solution that means I can still give to the White Ferns."
While she is stepping back from ODIs, Devine was clear that her focus remains firmly on the present and leading her team to glory one last time.
"It's important that everyone knows I am focused and dedicated to giving this group everything I can before I step away," she affirmed. "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."
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A New Role and a Lasting Legacy
Following her ODI retirement, Devine will move to a casual playing agreement with New Zealand Cricket for the 2025-26 season. While she will no longer hold a central contract, she will remain available for selection in T20 Internationals, ensuring her experience is not lost to the national side entirely.
This forward-thinking arrangement has been praised by New Zealand Cricket, who recognize the immense value Devine continues to offer.
"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, Head of Women's High Performance. The move, she noted, "will allow her to continue contributing to the White Ferns environment... whilst opening up the opportunity for another player to be contracted in full."
NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink echoed the sentiment, calling Devine an "extraordinary leader and ambassador." He added, "Her legacy as one of the game's greatest all-rounders and her commitment to nurturing the next generation make this a positive step for both her and the White Ferns."
One Final Campaign
Before she hangs up her ODI boots, there is one final chapter to be written. Sophie Devine will lead the White Ferns as captain at the 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, which begins on September 30.
Her leadership, experience, and world-class skill will be vital as New Zealand chases the ultimate prize in 50-over cricket. For fans, it will be a final opportunity to witness a legend of the sport compete in the format she has helped define.
The search for a new ODI captain will begin after the tournament, ahead of New Zealand's home summer. But for now, the focus for the team, the fans, and Sophie Devine herself is singular: a final, glorious shot at World Cup victory.
