Sophie Devine to Step Down from T20 Captaincy

The ICC Women's T20 World Cup is set to take place this October. Following the World Cup, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine has announced that she will step down from leading the T20 team. However, she will continue as captain in the One Day International (ODI) format.

The 34-year-old Sophie has led the New Zealand women's team in 56 T20 matches. Under her leadership, the team won 25 matches, lost 28, and had 1 draw. Sophie has played a total of 135 T20 matches for New Zealand.

Sophie Devine said, "I am very proud to have had the opportunity to captain in both formats. With captaincy comes an additional workload, which can sometimes be challenging."

Sophie Devine has expressed her desire to continue playing for New Zealand in both formats and also mentioned her intention to stay on as the ODI captain.

"I'm not ready to step down from ODI captaincy yet. But I won't be around forever, so I think stepping down from one format at a time gives the next captain time to plan."

White Ferns (New Zealand women's cricket team) head coach Ben Sawyer has fully supported Devine's decision.

"Sophie is the epitome of a fearless leader, and we are truly grateful for the leadership she has provided both on and off the field."

He added, "I know the decision wasn't easy for Sophie, but I fully support it and know she will continue to be a leader for the team."

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) CEO Scott Weenink said of Sophie Devine, "We are grateful to have a player of Sophie's caliber in the team. I'm pleased that she will continue to captain the ODI team."

New Zealand Cricket will announce Sophie's successor as the T20 captain of the New Zealand women's cricket team in due course.