Sophie Devine to miss Sri Lanka series as she focuses on well-being

New Zealand Captain Sophie Devine Withdraws from Series Against Sri Lanka Due to Health Concerns

New Zealand Women’s Cricket Team captain Sophie Devine has made the difficult decision to sit out the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka Women as she prioritizes her well-being. This move comes after Devine previously stepped away from the Women’s Super Smash and the ongoing Women’s Premier League 2025 to focus on her health.

Devine’s Recent Performance and Decision

After leading the New Zealand Women’s Cricket Team to victory in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in October 2024, Devine has been actively participating in various cricket tournaments. Her most recent appearance was during the Women’s Super Smash where she delivered an impressive 5-wicket haul for Wellington against Canterbury on January 24.

Despite her absence, Wellington went on to clinch the Women’s Super Smash T20 title, with player Amelia Kerr shining with both bat and ball. New Zealand Cricket’s Head of Women’s High Performance, Liz Green, has expressed full support for Devine’s decision, emphasizing the importance of player well-being.

Liz Green’s Statement

In an official statement, Liz Green stated, “We are fully supportive of Sophie’s decision to not 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.”

Looking ahead, the New Zealand Women’s team is preparing to face Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series commencing on March 4, followed by a three-match T20I series starting on March 14. The squad for the upcoming home series will be announced later this month.

Upcoming Matches and Future Plans

Following the series against Sri Lanka, the White Ferns are set to play against Australia in a three-match T20I series starting on March 21. These matches mark New Zealand’s first engagements in the shorter format of the game since their historic T20 World Cup triumph under Sophie Devine’s leadership.

Sophie Devine’s Career Achievements

Sophie Devine is widely regarded as a white-ball legend, boasting an impressive record in both ODIs and T20Is. With over 5000 runs and 126 wickets in more than 160 games across various leagues, Devine has established herself as a formidable force in women’s cricket.

Her career spans 152 women’s ODIs and 143 women’s T20Is since her international debut in 2006. Devine has taken 107 ODI wickets and 117 T20I wickets, along with accumulating around 4000 runs in the 50-over format and 3391 runs in T20Is.

Aside from cricket, Devine also represented New Zealand in hockey earlier in her career, showcasing her versatility as a multi-sport athlete.

As Sophie Devine takes a break to focus on her well-being, fans eagerly anticipate her return to the field, confident that she will continue to shine on the international cricket stage.

Sophie Devine’s Influence on Women’s Cricket

Sophie Devine’s decision to prioritize her health not only sheds light on the importance of player well-being but also highlights the intense physical and mental demands of professional sports. As a role model for aspiring young cricketers, Devine’s openness about her health concerns sets a positive example of self-care and listening to one’s body.

Her absence from the upcoming series against Sri Lanka serves as a reminder that even the most successful athletes need to take breaks and focus on their overall wellness. This move showcases a shift in sports culture towards prioritizing mental and physical health over performance at all costs.

Impact on Team Dynamics

With Sophie Devine temporarily stepping back, the New Zealand Women’s Cricket Team will have the opportunity to showcase their depth and resilience. This period will allow other players to step up, take on leadership roles, and demonstrate their skills on the field.

The absence of a key player like Devine presents a challenge but also creates an environment for growth and development within the team. It will be interesting to see how the team adapts to her absence and collaborates to fill the gap left by their captain.

Looking Towards the Future

As fans eagerly await Sophie Devine’s return to the field, her decision to prioritize her health sets a positive tone for the future of women’s cricket. It underscores the importance of taking care of oneself in a high-pressure environment and encourages open conversations about mental and physical well-being in sports.

Devine’s illustrious career and her contributions to women’s cricket have left a lasting impact on the sport. Her leadership, skills, and dedication have inspired a generation of young cricketers, and her commitment to self-care further solidifies her status as a respected figure in the cricketing world.

Continued Support for Sophie Devine

As Sophie Devine takes the time she needs to focus on her health, the cricketing community rallies around her with messages of support and encouragement. The outpouring of well-wishes and understanding demonstrates the camaraderie and solidarity that exist within the sport.

Her decision to step back serves as a valuable lesson for athletes at all levels, emphasizing the importance of listening to one’s body and mind. By setting boundaries and prioritizing well-being, Devine exemplifies the qualities of a true leader both on and off the field.

Ultimately, Sophie Devine’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming series against Sri Lanka is a powerful reminder of the human side of sports and the significance of self-care in achieving long-term success in any athletic endeavor.