Sophie Devine to Retire from ODIs After 2025 World Cup

Sophie Devine, a 35-year-old New Zealand stalwart, has announced her decision to retire from One-Day Internationals (ODIs) after the 2025 World Cup. She will be opting for a casual playing agreement for the 2025-26 season, as confirmed by New Zealand Cricket on Tuesday.

Devine has had an impressive career in both ODIs and T20Is, with 152 appearances for the national team. She has scored 3990 runs, picked up 107 wickets, and has eight centuries and 16 fifties to her name.

The all-rounder became New Zealand's permanent captain in 2020 and led the team to victory in the T20 World Cup last year. However, in the ODI format, they have failed to make it past the group stages in the last two editions of the tournament.

"It feels like the right time for me to start stepping away," Devine said. "I'm focused and dedicated to giving this group everything I can before I step away."

The decision is expected to open up a spot for another player to be fully contracted with the 17-member central contracts list, which is set to be announced tomorrow.