The Royal Challengers Bangalore women’s team has faced a significant setback just weeks before their opening match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 season against Gujarat Giants, as seasoned all-rounder Sophie Devine will be absent from the upcoming season.
Sophie Devine was retained by RCB for the WPL 2025 season.
Devine played a pivotal role in RCB’s title-winning campaign in 2024, amassing 136 runs and taking six wickets across ten matches.
Currently playing for Wellington in the ongoing Super Smash, she has scored 38 runs and taken eight wickets in five games. In her most recent match against Canterbury in Christchurch, Devine delivered a match-winning performance, claiming 5/13.
As captain, she led the New Zealand team to victory in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. Following that, she featured in the ODIs against India, played in the WBBL with Perth Scorchers, and was also part of the ODI series against Australia in late December.
Sophie Devine to miss WPL 2025
Veteran New Zealand all-rounder Sophie Devine has decided to skip the WPL 2025 to “prioritize her well-being” following professional advice. The 35-year-old has also withdrawn from the remainder of the ongoing domestic season.
In a press release, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) stated that a decision on Devine’s playing future “will be announced in due course.” NZC, Cricket Wellington, and RCB have all expressed their full support for her decision to take a break.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Liz Green, NZC’s Head of Women’s High Performance, highlighted that the board prioritizes player well-being above all else and fully backs Devine’s decision.
“Sophie has received excellent support from the New Zealand Cricket Players Association and our high-performance staff. Everyone agrees this is the best option available,” Green said.
She added, “The most important thing for NZC is that Sophie has a proper break, gets the necessary care and support, and returns to professional cricket fit and well.”