Sophie Devine’s retirement tour has not unfolded as the 36-year-old White Ferns legend might have hoped. A severe calf muscle tear has cut short her Women’s Hundred stint with Welsh Fire, but the former New Zealand skipper has already set her sights on a comeback in the 12th edition of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) starting October 29, 2026.
Sophie Devine retired from T20 internationals after New Zealand’s group-stage exit at the 10th Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales (June 12–July 5, 2026), having earlier announced her ODI retirement following the 13th ICC Women’s ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka (September 30–November 5, 2025). Her international swansong alongside long-time teammates Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu ended without a fairytale finish, but she quickly transitioned to franchise cricket as Welsh Fire’s captain in the ongoing sixth Women’s Hundred (July 21–August 16, 2026).
That chapter, too, was interrupted. After just four innings, Devine suffered a grade 3C calf tear that ruled her out midway through the tournament. She was replaced as captain by Australian all-rounder Georgia Wareham. Before the injury, Devine had contributed 130 runs at a strike rate of 164.55 and an average of 43.33, including a half-century, while also claiming three wickets at an average of 11 and an economy of 9.90 in two bowling outings this season.
“It’s pretty frustrating,” Devine told Cricinfo. “I’ve done a fair job of the calf, tearing at a decent grade, 3C, so [I’m] looking at a pretty lengthy rehab recovery for that.” With an estimated eight-to-12-week rehabilitation window, the WBBL has emerged as her target return. “Targeting Big Bash is the next thing for me, which is a really good goal, making sure that I get this right.”
Devine, a staple of the WBBL since its inception, has featured in all 11 seasons, five with Adelaide Strikers and six with Perth Scorchers. Although the league’s overseas player recruitment model remains unconfirmed for 2026–27, her intention to return underscores her commitment to extending her domestic career. “I really want to make sure that I get this right and that it doesn’t keep popping up, hopefully go around for another couple more years,” she added.
Despite her injury, Devine has remained with Welsh Fire, having joined as the joint-highest earner at the inaugural auction alongside Beth Mooney. She praised the squad’s potential despite an inconsistent 2026 campaign, noting: “When we were good, we were very good, and when we were poor, we were very poor; it was just our lack of ability to back it up and to have consistent performances.”
She highlighted emerging talents such as left-arm spinner Sophia Smale, seamer Grace Potts, who bowled 15–20 balls in powerplays, and 19-year-old all-rounder Grace Thompson, drawing comparisons to Cameron Green for her technique and stature. Devine expressed gratitude for being allowed to stay on board, supporting Wareham and the young core. “I’ve absolutely loved my time; it was a no-brainer for me to want to stay around.”
As Welsh Fire are battling in their final group game, against London Spirit at Sophia Gardens on August 12, Devine’s focus shifts to rehabilitation and the WBBL stage, where she hopes to write the next chapter of her storied career.
(Quotes sourced from Cricinfo)
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