new zealand has announced a new all-format captain for its women’s team, marking the beginning of a new chapter Sophie Devine stepped down from the role after ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 In October. The decision signals a new era for the White Ferns as they prepare for a busy international calendar over the next three years.
New Zealand Cricket announces new leader of women’s team
New Zealand Cricket has handed over the captaincy amelia kerrThe young star was named the full-time leader of both the ODI and T20I teams. Kerr replaces Devine, who led the team through a crucial phase including the recent global tournament.
Having already captained New Zealand in two ODIs and two T20Is, Kerr is no stranger to leadership responsibilities. However, this is his first long-term stint at the top. His appointment comes at a crucial time as New Zealand prepares to defend their T20 World Cup title England Later this year, it will be followed by the ICC T20 Champions Trophy Sri Lanka Another historic Olympic appearance in 2027 los angeles In 2028, with another T20 World Cup.
head coach ben sawyer supported the decision, highlighting Kerr’s deep understanding of what it means to represent New Zealand. He emphasized his influence both on and off the field, noting his respect in the dressing room and his leadership experience with the Wellington Blaze over the past three seasons. According to Sawyer, the move reflects a long-term approach aimed at ensuring stability and continuity until 2029.
“He is an excellent leader not only because of his performances on the field, but also because of the respect he commands in the playing group off the field. He has a good understanding of the game and strong leadership experience in those games, having captained the White Ferns and led the Wellington Blaze over the last three years. Meli has led this team at this stage of his career, ensuring we have continuity and stability during the next cycle through 2029.” Sawyer was quoted as saying in a New Zealand Cricket release.
Impressive record and a good player
Kerr’s promotion builds on a remarkable cricketing resume. Since making her international debut in 2016 at the age of just 16, she has become one of the most reliable all-rounders in world cricket. Across all formats, he has scored 3,757 runs and taken 201 wickets – figures that make him one of New Zealand’s elite performers. She is currently the country’s third-highest wicket-taker and fifth-highest run-scorer in women’s internationals.
His impact was particularly evident during New Zealand’s 2024 T20 World Cup campaign, where he played a major role and was named Player of the Tournament. That golden run was followed by another milestone when she became the first New Zealander to win the prestigious Rachel Hayhoe-Flint Trophy ICC Women’s Player of the Year – in recognition of her consistency, composure and match-winning ability.
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Star cricketer reacts after becoming captain of all-format White Ferns
Speaking after the announcement, Kerr described the appointment as a ‘huge privilege’ and a dream come true. He said, representing New Zealand has always been close to his heart and leading the team adds a special layer of responsibility.
Kerr explained that his leadership style would be rooted in a people-first philosophy. Taking inspiration from a favorite Māori proverb – “He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata”, he emphasized that people are at the center of everything. For them, success will come from fostering trust, celebrating teammates’ accomplishments, and fostering a culture of unity.
“It was a childhood dream of mine growing up to represent New Zealand and now having the opportunity to captain my country is a huge privilege. I’m following a group of extraordinary leaders who have captained the White Ferns before me, so I don’t take the responsibility lightly. I love this group and have a lot of passion for representing Aotearoa. Captaincy doesn’t change who I am, I’m still the same person and will give my all to lead this group And hopefully our country will get success.” Kerr said.
Also read: Amelia Kerr tops New Zealand Cricket Awards 2025 with historic sweep
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
