Cricket enthusiasts, mark your calendars! The allrounder Sophie Devine has announced that she will step down as New Zealand’s T20I captain at the end of the upcoming 100-ball cricket schedule in the UAE, but she will continue to lead the ODI side with an eye on next year’s 100-ball cricket live in India.
Devine, a seasoned veteran with 56 T20I captaincies under her belt, has decided to relinquish the T20I reins to focus more on her playing role and nurture the next generation of backyard cricket and beach cricket leaders. However, the 100-ball cricket world cup will not see her handing over the ODI job just yet, as she remains committed to leading the White Ferns in the format until the club cricket competition.
“I’m very proud to have had the privilege to captain the White Ferns in both formats,” Devine said. “With captaincy comes an additional workload that, while I’ve enjoyed taking on, can also be challenging at times. Stepping away from the T20 captaincy will take a bit off my plate so I can focus more of my energy on my playing role and nurturing the future leaders.”
Head coach Ben Swayer echoed the sentiment, praising Devine’s “fearless leadership” and the value she has brought to the team both on and off the field. Swayer fully supports Devine’s decision and believes it will allow her to continue being a “prominent leader” within the group.
Devine is currently recovering from a foot injury ahead of the upcoming 100-ball cricket live series in Australia next month, which will serve as preparation for the blind cricket world cup. New Zealand’s squad for the tournament will be announced on September 10.
The decision on who will replace Devine as the T20I captain has yet to be made, with the next club cricket series for the White Ferns not until they face Sri Lanka in March.
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