New Zealand captain Sophie Devine said that she is not thinking about retiring amid her decision to leave the T20I captaincy after the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. Devine alongside Suzie Bates are two New Zealand players who have taken part in all the nine editions of the Women’s T20 World Cup. Devine has been associated with the Black Caps since the inception of the tournament will be a key player for them. However, she will relinquish the T20I captaincy duties for New Zealand by the end of the marquee tournament and will remain in-charge in ODIs.
“Oh, look, I think everyone wants to win this World Cup, so that’s certainly the goal for everyone here. And it’s no different for me. I’d love to be able to lift the trophy with this bunch of players. And it has been a little bit weird, if I’m being honest. I mean, I’m not retiring or anything. It’s just stepping down as the T20 captain. But it certainly has made me reflect on, I guess, my career and the opportunities that I’ve had,” Devine said in the pre-match press-conference.
Devine has been at the helm of New Zealand’s white-ball sides since taking over from Amy Satterthwaite in 2020, and the 34-year-old also led them in Women’s T20 World Cup 2023.
Will Devine retire after T20 World Cup?
Devine was happy with the youngsters of the New Zealand team taking up responsibility.
“Thinking back to the first one, 2009, which probably shows my age, but to see the growth of the women’s game is something that I’m incredibly proud of and have been lucky to be a part of. But I think it’s really nice, again, and this is probably where the youngsters help is that my energy and my focus is on this tournament right now. I’m sure after this event I’ll be able to reflect and celebrate what’s been but certainly at the moment my focus is on this on this tournament and more importantly on our game tomorrow,” Devine added.
India vs New Zealand
New Zealand will face India in their tournament opener of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah on October 4, Friday. New Zealand haven’t reached the semi-final of the tournament since 2016 and will aim for a positive start against India. Meanwhile, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side in quest of their maiden ICC title will look to kickstart their tournament well.
