Sophie Devine will step down as New Zealand’s T20I captain after the conclusion of the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup in October.
The 34-year-old will continue to lead the ODI team.
Devine has captained New Zealand in 56 T20s, achieving a 25-28 win-loss record (with 1 tie).
She first served as a stand-in captain during the 2014-15 season before assuming the role full-time from Amy Satterthwaite in 2020.
As New Zealand’s second-highest run-scorer in T20I history, with 3,268 runs in 135 matches since her debut in 2006, Devine cited the need for better workload balance as the reason behind her decision.
“I’m very proud to have had the privilege to captain the White Ferns in both formats,” Devine said.
“Captaincy comes with additional responsibilities that, while rewarding, can be challenging.
Stepping down from the T20 captaincy will allow me to focus more on my playing role and mentoring the future leaders of the team.”
Currently resting to rehabilitate a foot injury ahead of the T20 World Cup, Devine emphasized that she is not ready to relinquish the ODI captaincy and remains committed to playing for New Zealand in both white-ball formats.
“I’m not ready to give up ODI captaincy just yet,” she added.
“But I know I won’t be around forever, so stepping away from captaining one format at a time gives the next leaders time to establish themselves.”
New Zealand Cricket has yet to announce her successor.
“Soph is the epitome of a fearless leader, and we’re really grateful for the leadership she brings to this group on and off the field,” said New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer.
“Her experience and knowledge have been invaluable, especially as we’ve integrated several young players into the team over the past two years.
I fully support her decision and know she will continue to be a key leader in the group.”
New Zealand is set to announce the 15-member squad for the World Cup on September 10, before the team departs for a three-match T20I series in Australia as part of their preparations.
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