Sophie Devine, the New Zealand captain and star all-rounder for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has decided to take a break from cricket following professional advice. Devine, who had been playing for Wellington in the ongoing Super Smash, will miss the remainder of the domestic season, including the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL). New Zealand Cricket (NZC) issued a statement acknowledging the decision, confirming that the future plans regarding her career will be disclosed at a later time. Both RCB and Cricket Wellington have expressed their full support for Sophie during this period of rest and recovery.
Liz Green, NZC’s head of women’s high-performance development, emphasized the importance of player well-being, noting that it takes precedence over everything else. Green highlighted that Sophie has received outstanding support from the New Zealand Cricket Players Association and NZC’s high-performance unit, ensuring that the decision to rest was the best course of action for her health. The focus now is on Sophie receiving adequate care and support, allowing her to recover fully before returning to professional cricket.
Sophie Devine has had a busy schedule, having been part of New Zealand’s victorious T20 World Cup team, where they triumphed over South Africa. After the World Cup, she played in several formats, including ODIs against India and a stint with Perth Scorchers in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). Sophie also featured in the ODI series against Australia in December 2024. In the WPL, she played ten matches for RCB, scoring 136 runs and contributing with the ball, taking six wickets during the tournament. While Sophie’s absence will be felt, RCB is yet to announce a replacement for her in the upcoming season.
As the WPL 2025 is set to begin on February 14, RCB will face Gujarat Giants in the opening match at Vadodara International Cricket Stadium. Despite Sophie’s absence, RCB will continue their campaign to defend their WPL title after their historic victory over Delhi Capitals in the final of the previous season. Fans will eagerly await updates on Sophie’s recovery and her future participation in cricket, with the hope that she will return fully refreshed and ready to continue her remarkable career.