New Zealand allrounder and captain Sophie Devine has decided to miss the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL), where she represents Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), to focus on her well-being following professional advice. She will also sit out the remainder of the ongoing domestic season and return home for a break.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed the news, emphasizing that player well-being takes top priority. The board, along with Cricket Wellington and RCB, supported Devine’s decision to step away temporarily. A statement from NZC also indicated that further updates on Devine’s playing future will be announced later. RCB is yet to name her replacement for the upcoming season.
Liz Green, NZC’s head of women’s high-performance development, highlighted the importance of ensuring Devine receives proper support and care during her break. “Player well-being is paramount. Everyone agrees this is the best option for Sophie to recover and return in good health,” Green said.
Devine has been active in cricket since New Zealand’s T20 World Cup win in October 2024. She participated in ODI series against India and Australia, and played for Perth Scorchers in the WBBL. Most recently, she featured in the Super Smash, where she scored 38 runs and picked up eight wickets in five matches, including a match-winning 5 for 13 against Canterbury.
RCB retained Devine ahead of the 2025 WPL auction after her contributions in their 2024 title-winning campaign, where she scored 136 runs and took six wickets in 10 matches. RCB’s 2025 season begins on February 15 against Gujarat Giants at the newly built BCA Stadium in Vadodara.
Devine’s decision to step away underscores the increasing emphasis on mental and physical well-being in modern cricket.
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