Sophie Devine withdraws from Sri Lanka series to prioritize well being

For the upcoming ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine has decided not to play as she seeks to prioritize her well-being. The 35-year-old all-rounder had previously stepped back midway through the Women's Super Smash.

Later on, she opted out of the Women's Premier League (WPL 2025) as well after acquiring professional advice. In the aftermath of her decision, the head of the Women's High Performance of New Zealand Cricket (NZC), Liz Green, came forward to share her views on Devine. Green iterated that NZC fully supports and backs the legendary figure for her decision. Moreover, they are committed to valuing the well-being of the country's cricketers.

“Player well-being is our highest priority, and it’s important that Sophie feels fit and well before returning to professional cricket. We are fully supportive of Sophie’s decision not to take part in the upcoming series,” NZC’s Head of Women's High Performance, Liz Green, declared on Monday. 

Since the time the White Ferns played some outstanding cricket en route to their maiden T20 World Cup title in October 2024, Devine has been ardently in international and domestic cricket. As seen, she has played an interesting role in the ODI series against India, later represented the Perth Scorchers in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), and was also a part of the ODI series against Australia played in December as well.

Sophie Devine recently played the Super Smash, where she delivered a dominant bowling performance, taking 5/13 against Canterbury on January 24. With Amelia Kerr playing a crucial role with both the bat and ball, Devine's domestic team, Wellington, went on to secure victory in the tournament.

New Zealand will face Australia before facing Sri Lanka

Now speaking of New Zealand’s approaching home assignment, they will be up against Sri Lanka women for the white-ball series across formats. Both teams will collide in three ODIs, starting on March 4. Followed by three T20I matches from March 14, respectively. It is reported that the squad for the series is supposed to be declared later this month.

Also Check: RCB Women Squad Player List: Full Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women Player List for WPL 2025

The team is set to compete against Australia in a three-match T20I series beginning on March 21. These fixtures mark New Zealand’s first T20I battle since their significant World Cup triumph under Devine’s captainship. Her unavailability will be a crucial miss for New Zealand, but the team remains intent on creating momentum ahead of an important year in international cricket.