New Zealand great Bates to retire from internationals
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- Suzie Bates will retire from international cricket after the 2025 Women’s T20 World Cup in England (12 June–5 July), ending a 20‑year career.
- White Ferns have named her in their 15‑member squad for the World Cup, where they will also play three ODIs and T20Is versus England next month.
- Bates holds the all‑time record for women’s T20 runs (4,717) and is fourth on the ODI list, while also claiming 145 wickets and a record number of catches.
- Melie Kerr called Bates a “role model” and praised her influence on women’s cricket, underscoring the loss for the team’s leadership after her retirement.
- International Cricket Council named her women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2013 and 2016, and Wisden recognized her as the leading female player in 2015.
Why it matters: New Zealand’s White Ferns lose a player who contributed 4,717 T20 runs and 145 wickets, shrinking their scoring depth and reducing sponsor appeal ahead of the 2025 season, while fans lose a beloved role model.
