New Zealand’s Sophie Devine, a key player and one of the most experienced cricketers in the women’s game, has made the decision to opt out of the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka in order to prioritize her well-being. This decision follows a period of contemplation and professional advice that led her to take a break from cricket, including her exit from the Women’s Super Smash competition earlier and subsequently pulling out of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). In the WPL, she was part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad.
Devine’s absence has led to significant changes in the composition of the team for the series, with England’s Danni Wyatt-Hodge stepping in for her. Wyatt-Hodge, who was traded from the UP Warriorz (UPW) team, has opened the batting alongside Indian star Smriti Mandhana. The 35-year-old Devine has been a talismanic figure for New Zealand, and her withdrawal from the series due to health concerns speaks volumes about the importance of player welfare in modern cricket. Her absence comes at a time when RCB, too, has missed out on the services of several other key players, including Kate Cross, Sophie Molineux, Shreyanka Patil, and Asha Sobhana, for various reasons.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) expressed full support for Devine’s decision in a statement. Liz Green, the Head of Women’s High Performance at NZC, reinforced the idea that player well-being is the highest priority. “We are fully supportive of Sophie’s decision not to take part in the upcoming series. Player well-being is our highest priority, and it’s important Sophie feels fit and well before returning to professional cricket,” Green said in a NZC release. This reflects a growing awareness in cricket about the pressures faced by players, particularly those involved in multiple formats of the game, and the toll it can take on their physical and mental health.
Devine has been a vital part of New Zealand's cricketing setup for years, and her absence from the series against Sri Lanka will undoubtedly be a blow. She played a crucial role in leading New Zealand to victory in the Women’s T20 World Cup last year in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This was the first time New Zealand had claimed the title, and it was also significant as it marked the end of Devine’s tenure as the T20I captain of the White Ferns.
After the T20 World Cup win, Devine continued to feature prominently for New Zealand, playing in a three-match ODI series on Indian soil. Her performances continued to impress, and she later joined the Perth Scorchers in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), where she further showcased her skills. In domestic cricket, Devine played for Wellington and delivered a match-winning performance by taking a five-wicket haul against Canterbury. Wellington’s victory in the final of their domestic competition, beating Otago by eight runs, was another feather in her cap.
As New Zealand prepares for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, it will be without one of its most experienced and reliable players. The three-match ODI series will run from March 4 to 9, followed by a T20I series from March 14 to 18. The matches will be played at several prominent venues across New Zealand, including McLean Park in Napier, Saxton Oval in Nelson, The University Oval in Dunedin, and Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
Despite Devine’s absence, New Zealand will still look to capitalize on their strength in depth and the rising talent in their squad. The team will need to rely on other seasoned players, like the likes of Suzie Bates and Amy Satterthwaite, to take charge. The series against Sri Lanka represents an important opportunity for New Zealand to continue building their team for the future and continue their success on the global stage, even in the absence of one of their most celebrated players.
This period of break and recuperation for Sophie Devine comes as part of a larger trend in cricket where players are encouraged to prioritize their health, both physical and mental, above the demands of the game. With the pressures of international cricket, frequent tours, and the toll of playing in multiple leagues, more and more cricketers are taking breaks to recharge. It highlights how the sport is evolving, with greater focus being placed on sustaining players’ careers over the long haul, allowing them to return to the game at their best, both mentally and physically, when they are ready.
