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New Zealand women’s captain Sophie Devine said Tuesday that she will retire from ODI cricket after the World Cup later this year, adding it was the “right time” to step away.
Devine, who has been captain since 2020, led New Zealand to T20 World Cup glory last year in Dubai.
“It feels like the right time for me to start stepping away,” said the 35-year-old Devine, who has played in 152 ODIs and 146 T20 internationals.
“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.”
Sophie Devine, who will remain available to play T20 internationals, took a break from international cricket earlier this year to prioritise her mental health, having taken two months out in 2021 for similar reasons.
The Women’s World Cup will be played in India and Sri Lanka from September to November.
Liz Green, the Head of Women’s High Performance, stated that Devine has the full support of New Zealand Cricket (NZC) in making this decision.
“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.”
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