Sophie Devine Takes a Break from Cricket to Focus on Well-Being
New Zealand women’s cricket captain, Sophie Devine, will miss the upcoming series against Sri Lanka in March. The New Zealand Cricket (NZC) board confirmed on Monday that Devine has decided to prioritize her health and well-being. This decision follows her withdrawal from the Super Smash and the 2025 Women’s Premier League last month, after receiving professional advice.
NZC Supports Devine’s Decision
NZC’s Head of Women’s High Performance, Liz Green, expressed full support for Devine’s decision. “Our top priority is ensuring the well-being of our players, and it’s crucial that Sophie is fully healthy and ready before making her return to professional cricket.” Green said. Devine’s health is the top priority, and the cricket board has emphasized the importance of ensuring she is fully recovered before rejoining the team.
The Upcoming Series Against Sri Lanka
The White Ferns will face Sri Lanka in a series starting on March 4, which will include three One-Day Internationals and two T20Is. Although Devine won’t be part of this series, her absence has not dampened the spirits of the team, which will continue to rely on other experienced players.
Sophie Devine’s Impressive Career Milestones
Sophie Devine has had an outstanding cricketing career. The all-rounder was instrumental in New Zealand’s victory at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE in October 2024. She is also on the verge of a milestone, having accumulated 3990 runs in Women’s ODIs, with an average of 31.66 in international 50-over cricket.
Devine’s Recent Cricketing Commitments
Since New Zealand’s World Cup victory, Devine has remained active in the cricketing world. She played in the One-Day International series against India, participated in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) for the Perth Scorchers, and took part in the ODI series against Australia in late December. Devine was also a part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) successful title run in the 2024 Women’s Premier League, where she scored 136 runs and took six wickets in ten matches.
RCB’s Response to Devine’s Withdrawal
After her withdrawal from the WPL 2025, RCB opted to replace her with Heather Graham. This change ensures that RCB remains competitive, but Devine’s health and well-being remain the focus, as she takes time to recover and recharge.