Sun Jan 26 14:24:54 UTC 2025: ## New Zealand Cricket Captain Sophie Devine Takes an Indefinite Break from the Sport
**Auckland, New Zealand –** New Zealand cricket captain Sophie Devine has shocked the cricketing world with her announcement of an indefinite break from the sport. The news was officially confirmed by New Zealand Cricket on Saturday, January 25th. Devine’s absence leaves a significant gap in the New Zealand team and creates a major setback for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL).
Devine, a star all-rounder known for her powerful batting and effective bowling, has not specified a return date. Her decision comes as a blow to RCB, who retained her before the 2024 season despite a relatively less impressive performance in the previous season (136 runs and 6 wickets in 10 matches). The WPL is set to begin on February 14th, with RCB’s first match against Gujarat Giants.
Devine’s international career boasts impressive statistics: 152 ODIs with 3990 runs (including 8 centuries and 16 half-centuries), and 143 T20Is with 3391 runs (including 1 century and 21 half-centuries).
New Zealand Cricket has expressed full support for Devine’s decision. Liz Green, Head of Women’s High-Performance Development, stated that the board fully backs Devine’s choice. Devine will miss not only the WPL but also the remainder of the domestic season in New Zealand. The length of her absence remains unknown.
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