Sophie Devine eyes World Cup double with New Zealand Women
What's the story
Star New Zealand women's cricket team all-rounder, Sophie Devine, has revealed that she contemplated retiring from international cricket during her recent break.
However, the opportunity to play in this year's World Cup was a major factor in her decision to prolong her career with the White Ferns.
Earlier in 2025, Devine took a step back from cricket to prioritize her mental health.
Here's what she said.
Break
Devine had contemplated international retirement during recent break
Devine's break from cricket also forced her to pull out of the Women's Premier League (WPL) after being retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
She also missed two home white-ball series against Sri Lanka.
When asked what she thought about not returning to international cricket during this time, she candidly said to reporters on Wednesday, "Completely honest? Yep. Certainly."
She will now be seen in the upcoming WT20I series against Australia.
Future plans
Devine reflects on her cricket journey and future
Having played cricket for so long, Devine is now thinking about her future in the sport.
She said, "I've been playing cricket for a very long time and probably looking ahead in terms of what am I going to do when my time does come to hang up the boots."
Nevertheless, despite these thoughts, she is still committed to playing for the White Ferns.
Double
Devine is focusing on the World Cup
Devine said she is hopeful of playing this year's Women's ODI World Cup.
"Those oportunities are still something that really excites me, being able to go overseas and play in franchise cricket, but most importantly, it's to play for the White Ferns. We've got a pretty big World Cup coming up later this year, which - all going well - hopefully I'll be at."
WT20
Devine captained champions NZ in 2024 Women's T20 World Cup
Under Devine's leadership, the New Zealand women's cricket team won its maiden T20 World Cup in 2024.
The White Ferns defeated South Africa Women in the final of the 2024 edition in Dubai on Sunday.
NZ-W posted 158/5 in their 20 overs with Amelia Kerr leading the way with a vital 43-run knock.
In response, SA-W started well but suffered a collapse. They managed 126/9, losing by 32 runs.
Match history
Devine's last competitive match and international appearance
Devine's last competitive match was on January 24, where she took 5 wickets for 13 runs for Wellington against Canterbury in the Women's Super Smash.
Her last international appearance was during the home ODI series against Australia on December 23, capping a demanding schedule that saw tours of England and India around New Zealand's T20 World Cup victory in Dubai.
Information
Devine's crunch stats in white-ball cricket for New Zealand
In 143 WT20Is, Devine has bagged 3,391 runs at 28.25 with the help of 1 ton and 21 fifties (SR: 120.93). On the other hand, she owns 3,990 runs from 152 WODIs at 31.66. She has 8 tons and 16 fifties under her belt.
Mental health
Devine emphasizes importance of mental health in sports
Devine has been candid about her mental health issues and the need for breaks throughout her career.
She referred to her recent break as "hibernation" and urged other players to put themselves first.
"Speak up, talk to people," she advised. "Everyone goes through their struggles... but certainly to reach out, it doesn't matter whether you are an athlete...to make sure that you get that support around you."