Sophie Devine Steps Down as New Zealand's T20I Captain

Sophie Devine will resign from her role as New Zealand's T20I captain following the Women's T20 World Cup in the UAE. She will continue to play and aims to focus on nurturing future leaders while maintaining her role as the ODI captain.

Sophie Devine will step down from New Zealand's T20I captaincy after the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup in the UAE. Devine, who has led the White Ferns in 56 T20Is, will remain with the team as a player. She believes now is the appropriate time to lessen her leadership responsibilities and mentor future captains.

"I'm very proud to have had the privilege to captain the White Ferns in both formats. With captaincy comes an additional workload that, while I've enjoyed taking on, can also be challenging at times," Devine told ESPNcricinfo. "Stepping away from the T20 captaincy will give me more time to concentrate on my playing role and nurturing the future leaders," she added.

Despite relinquishing her T20I captaincy, the 34-year-old confirmed that she is not ready to step down as New Zealand's ODI captain. Devine has her eyes on lifting the Women's ODI World Cup trophy in India next year. "I'm not ready to give up ODI captaincy just yet. But I won't be around forever, so stepping away from one format allows new leaders to develop," she said.

New Zealand head coach Ben Swayer praised Devine's leadership in the T20I format. "Soph is the epitome of a fearless leader, and we're truly grateful for her leadership on and off the field. Her experience has been invaluable as we have introduced several young players over the past two years," Swayer commented.

"I know this wasn't an easy decision for Soph, but I fully support it and know that she will continue to be a key leader," he added. Devine is currently recovering from a foot injury ahead of New Zealand's three-match T20I series against Australia starting September 19 in Queensland.

The series will serve as preparation for the marquee event in October. New Zealand has yet to name Devine's successor as T20I captain. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)