New Zealand have announced a new all-format captain for their women’s side, with a fresh chapter beginning after Sophie Devine stepped down from the role following the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in October. The decision signals a new era for the White Ferns as they prepare for a packed international calendar over the next three years.

New Zealand Cricket names a new leader of Women’s side

New Zealand Cricket has entrusted the captaincy to Amelia Kerr, naming the young star as the full-time leader of both the ODI and T20I teams. Kerr takes over from Devine, who led the side through a significant 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 marks her first long-term stint at the helm. Her appointment comes at a crucial time, with New Zealand set to defend their T20 World Cup crown in England later this year, followed by the ICC T20 Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka in 2027 and a historic Olympic appearance in Los Angeles in 2028, alongside another T20 World Cup.

Head coach Ben Sawyer backed the decision, highlighting Kerr’s deep understanding of what it means to represent New Zealand. He emphasized her influence both on and off the field, noting the respect she commands within the dressing room and her leadership experience with the Wellington Blaze over the past three seasons. According to Sawyer, the move reflects a long-term vision aimed at ensuring stability and continuity through to 2029.

“She’s an outstanding leader not only through her performances on the field, but also in the respect she has from the playing group off it. She has a sound understanding of the game and has strong leadership experience from the games she has captained the White Ferns and her time leading the Wellington Blaze over the past three years. Melie leading this team at this stage of her career ensures we have continuity and stability through the next cycle to 2029,” Sawyer was quoted as saying in a New Zealand Cricket release.

Impressive records and a fine player

Kerr’s elevation is built on a remarkable cricketing résumé. Since making her international debut in 2016 at just 16 years of age, she has grown into one of the most dependable all-rounders in world cricket. Across formats, she has scored 3,757 runs and claimed 201 wickets — numbers that place her among New Zealand’s elite performers. She currently ranks as the country’s third-highest wicket-taker and fifth-highest run-scorer in women’s internationals.

Her influence was particularly evident during New Zealand’s triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign, where she played a starring 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 Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy as the ICC Women’s Player of the Year — a recognition of her consistency, composure and match-winning ability.

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Star cricketer reacts after becoming all-format White Ferns captain

Speaking after the announcement, Kerr described the appointment as a ‘massive privilege’ and a dream come true. Representing New Zealand has always been close to her heart, and leading the side, she said, adds a special layer of responsibility.

Kerr made it clear that her leadership style will be rooted in a people-first philosophy. Drawing from a favourite Māori proverb — “He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata” — she stressed that people are at the centre of everything. For her, success will come from nurturing belief, celebrating teammates’ achievements and fostering a culture of unity.

“Growing up it was my childhood dream to represent New Zealand and to now have the opportunity to captain my country is a massive privilege. I am following an exceptional group of leaders who have captained the White Ferns before me, so I don’t take the responsibility lightly. I have so much love for this group and so much passion for representing Aotearoa. The captaincy doesn’t change who I am, I am still the same person and will give everything I can to lead this group and hopefully bring our country success,” said Kerr.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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