Few cricketers have left as indelible a mark on women’s cricket as Sophie Devine. As New Zealand’s inspirational captain and one of the world’s premier all-rounders, Devine’s announcement that she will retire from One-Day Internationals after the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup has sent ripples through the cricketing community.
The 35-year-old’s decision, made after “considerable thought,” will bring the curtain down on a remarkable 19-year ODI career, even as she continues to serve the White Ferns in T20 cricket on a casual basis.
“It’s a decision that has come with considerable thought and was always going to be really hard to do,” Devine reflected, her words echoing both nostalgia and conviction. The announcement, made just a day ahead of New Zealand’s 17-player women’s contract list for 2025-26, signals that Devine will step aside from the centrally contracted group, allowing a new wave of talent to emerge under fresh leadership.
“It feels like the right time for me to start stepping away,” the Wellingtonian shared. “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.”
Since her debut as a 17-year-old prodigy in 2006 against Australia at the Allan Border Field, Brisbane, Devine has amassed an extraordinary record. With 3,990 runs in 139 ODI innings at a strike rate of 85 and an average of 31.66, she stands on the brink of joining an elite group of Kiwi batters to surpass 4,000 runs, edging past the legendary Debbie Hockley to become New Zealand’s third-highest all-time women’s ODI run-scorer.
Devine’s eight centuries are second only to Suzie Bates among New Zealanders, while her 16 half-centuries have often anchored or powered the White Ferns innings. Her career-best (145 off 131 balls), a match-winning performance at the 2013 ICC Women’s World Cup in Cuttack against South Africa, rightly earned her the Player of the Match title.
But Devine’s value extends well beyond runs. She has snared 107 wickets in 126 innings, boasting an economy of 4.54 and an average of 35.75, making her one of only two New Zealand women to breach the 100-wicket mark in ODIs, alongside Lea Tahuhu.
Devine’s leadership on and off the field has been transformational for the White Ferns. As she prepares to lead New Zealand in one final World Cup campaign across India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2, 2025, she does so not only as an inspiration to her teammates but as a role model for girls across the cricketing world.
“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,” she said, expressing confidence in the rising crop of talent that will succeed her.
Head of women’s high performance, Liz Green, emphasised the board’s support: “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.”
NZC chief executive Scott Weenink paid his own tribute: “Sophie has been an extraordinary leader and ambassador for the White Ferns. 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.”
While Devine will step back from full-time international commitments, she remains open to T20Is “on a casual arrangement,” balancing her many international franchise obligations. This unique agreement will keep her involved with the team, her experience and mentorship continuing to enrich New Zealand’s cricketing environment.
As the 2025 ODI World Cup approaches, the cricketing world will watch Devine’s swansong with admiration and gratitude. Her legacy is not merely one of statistics, though they are extraordinary, but of leadership, resilience, and an unyielding passion for the game. The White Ferns, and indeed world cricket, are richer for her journey.
The end of an era beckons, but Sophie Devine’s place among the greats is assured, her influence set to echo long after the final delivery has been bowled in her ODI journey for the White Ferns.
