Devine set to retire from ODIs after 2025 World Cup

New Zealand's Sophie Devine is set to retire from the One Day International (ODI) format following the upcoming World Cup in 2025. New Zealand Cricket confirmed on Tuesday (June 17) that she will transition to a casual playing agreement for the 2025-26 season.

Sophie Devine has stroked 8 centuries and 16 fifties in ODIs © Getty

The 35-year-old has built a remarkable career for New Zealand in both ODIs and T20Is. Starting as a No. 11 batter in 50-over cricket, she has evolved into a crucial player. Over her 152 appearances for the national team, second only to Suzie Bates, she has scored eight centuries (also second to Bates) and 16 half-centuries. Devine has accumulated 3990 runs, placing her fourth highest in the rankings, and has taken 107 wickets, second only to Lea Tahuhu.

Devine became New Zealand's permanent captain in 2020 and led the team to victory in the T20 World Cup last year. However, the team has struggled in the ODI format, failing to progress beyond the group stages in the last two World Cup editions.

"It feels like the right time for me to start stepping away," Devine stated regarding 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."

Liz Green, NZC Head of Women's High Performance, explained that Devine's shift to a casual playing agreement will create an opportunity for another player to secure a full contract. The 17-member central contracts list is scheduled to be announced tomorrow.

"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," Green said. "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."

The T20 champions will commence their ODI World Cup campaign on October 1 against Australia in Indore. The announcement of Devine's successor will be made before the start of the New Zealand home summer.