New Zealand cricket great Suzie Bates announces retirement

New Zealand all-rounder Suzie Bates has announced that she will retire from international cricket after the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup in England. This will bring an end to her nearly 20-year illustrious career, which she began in 2006.

Suzie Bates is the leading run-scorer in women's T20 International cricket and is also a prominent figure in ODIs. She also captained the New Zealand team for nearly seven years from 2011. Bates, who recently returned from injury, will join the 15-member World Cup squad next week and will leave with the team to England where New Zealand will defend their title.

Bates says that representing the country has always been a source of pride for her and now her final wish is to say goodbye to cricket by winning another World Cup. Current New Zealand captain Amelia Kerr considered him one of the greatest cricketers in history, saying that his services can never be forgotten.