Sophie Devine to Step Down as New Zealand T20 Captain
WHITE FERNS captain Sophie Devine will step down as T20 captain
after the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in October, while continuing as
ODI captain. / Getty Images
New Zealand White Ferns captain Sophie Devine has announced her intention to step down from her role as T20 captain at the conclusion of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in October.
The 34-year-old, who has led the White Ferns in 56 T20s, made the decision to focus more on her playing role and develop future leaders within the team. While she will relinquish her T20 captaincy, Devine will continue to lead the team in ODI cricket.
"I am incredibly proud to have had the privilege to captain the WHITE FERNS in both formats," Devine said. "While I have enjoyed the challenges and rewards of captaincy, I believe that stepping away from the T20 role will allow me to focus more on my own performance and contribute to the development of the next generation of leaders."
Devine, who has been a cornerstone of the White Ferns squad for over a decade, will continue to play both formats for New Zealand. She is currently rehabilitating a foot injury and will be part of the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
NZC CEO Scott Weenink expressed his gratitude for Devine's contributions to the team.
"We are grateful to have a player of Sophie's caliber in the WHITE FERNS and I am delighted that she is still committed to captaining the ODI team," Weenink said.
The White Ferns will depart for Australia on September 16 to play three T20Is before the World Cup. The decision on who will succeed Devine as T20 captain will be made in due course.