Suzie Bates to retire after 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup

Suzie Bates will retire from international cricket after the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England, closing a remarkable twenty‑year career that began in 2006 against India. The New Zealand opener said she feels immense pride in having represented her country for so long, reflecting on the purpose and joy she found in striving to improve as a teammate and athlete. Bates, a 2024 T20 World Cup winner, hopes to finish with another title in the United Kingdom, a place she described as deeply meaningful.

Her statistical legacy is unmatched: New Zealand’s leading ODI run‑scorer with 5964 and the world’s top T20I run‑getter with 4717. She was the first woman to play 350 internationals and surpass twenty‑five thousand career runs across formats. Bates captained New Zealand for seven years and earned multiple ICC awards, while also representing her country in basketball at the 2008 Olympics. Tributes from teammates and officials hailed her influence and enduring legacy.