Sophie Devine bid farewell to ODIs after New Zealand's 53-run defeat to India yesterday, her 200th match capping a career that elevated women's cricket revenues 30% via endorsements. The 35-year-old's frustration with rain-affected campaigns highlights scheduling inequities in a $572 million global market.
Devine's impact—praised by Smriti Mandhana for global inspiration—drove White Ferns' brand value up 25%, per ICC metrics. Her shift to T20Is aligns with India's WPL, where overseas slots fetch $100,000 averages, up 15% from 2024.
Policy enablers like BCCI's equal-pay policy rival Australia's WBBL, narrowing gaps and spurring 50,000 jobs in coaching. Consumer trends favor cross-border stars: 60% Indian fans follow internationals, fueling $100 million streaming deals.