Star RCB allrounder to miss WPL 2025 as she announces break from cricket

The White Ferns, Wellington and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have suffered a major blow as star allrounder Sophie Devine has taken a break from cricket to prioritise her well-being. She was currently playing the Super Smash for Wellington, even taking a fifer in her last game against Canterbury. 

All three teams that Devine represents have offered their support in this decision. 

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) also issued a press release stating that a decision on her break period and future will be announced in due course. While she left the Super Smash in the middle, RCB are yet to announce a replacement for her.

RCB's first game in the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL) season is less than a month away, on February 15, in the newly built Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) Stadium in Vadodara. 

Meanwhile, Devine had a busy season after winning the T20 World Cup 2024 with the New Zealand women’s team. Right after that, she played an ODI series in India, went to play the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) in Australia for the Perth Scorchers, and also played an ODI series against Australia in December before playing the Super Smash for Wellington. 

Liz Green, the head of NZC’s women’s high-performance development, offered her full support to Devine and reiterated that player well-being is paramount for her cricket board. 

“Player well-being is paramount to us - it takes precedence over everything else," Green said. 

"Sophie's had excellent support from the New Zealand Cricket Players Association and from our own high performance unit staff, and everyone agrees this is the best option available.

"The most important thing for NZC is that Sophie has a decent break, receives good support and care, and is fit and well before returning to professional cricket".