Sophie Devine and Lea Tahuhu to Retire After 2025 Women’s T20 World Cup, Joining Suzie Bates in White Ferns Farewell

New Zealand cricket faces a defining generational transition after two of its most decorated players, Sophie Devine and Lea Tahuhu, confirmed they will retire from international cricket at the conclusion of the Women’s T20 World Cup this summer.

The announcement follows last week’s confirmation from veteran batter Suzie Bates that she too will call time on her international career after the tournament, meaning three of New Zealand’s most senior and experienced players will depart the game simultaneously. The trio have collectively formed the backbone of the White Ferns setup for approximately 15 years.

Head coach Ben Sawyer acknowledged the significance of the moment. “To have our three most senior players all finishing their careers at the same tournament is a rare and special occasion,” he said. “All three have had distinguished careers in their own right and have given so much to this team and the game in general.”

Devine, 36, brings to a close an international career that began in 2006 and has spanned 310 appearances across both white-ball formats. Originally making her name as a bowler, she evolved into one of the most complete all-rounders in the women’s game, accumulating 3,587 runs and 128 wickets in T20 international cricket. She had already retired from one-day internationals following last year’s 50-over World Cup.

Tahuhu, 35, a fast bowler who has earned more than 200 international caps, was equally integral to New Zealand’s remarkable T20 World Cup triumph in the United Arab Emirates in 2024 — a victory widely regarded as one of the most surprising results in the tournament’s history. Both players were key contributors to that title-winning campaign.

The White Ferns will defend their T20 World Cup title under the captaincy of Melie Kerr, the star all-rounder who was the leading wicket-taker during New Zealand’s triumph two years ago. Kerr’s leadership will be central to how the side manages its rebuild around a fresh generation of players.

Before the World Cup begins in June, New Zealand face a busy schedule against England, including three ODIs and three T20 internationals, with the series opening on 10 May at Chester-le-Street.

New Zealand’s T20 World Cup squad reads: Melie Kerr (capt), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze (wk), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis (wk), Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp (wk), Lea Tahuhu.