New Zealand allrounder Suzie Bates has confirmed she will retire from international cricket following the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England in 2026, bringing the curtain down on a career spanning two decades.
Bates, who recently returned from a quadriceps injury, is set to be included in New Zealand’s 15-player squad for the tournament. The squad announcement will take place at her former school, Otago Girls’ High School, next Wednesday. She will then travel with the team for their ODI and T20I tour of England in early May. As defending champions, New Zealand will enter the tournament aiming to retain their title, with Bates setting her sights on one final triumph.
Reflecting on her journey, Bates said, “When I look back on the past 20-plus years, I can’t quite believe how quickly the time has gone,” Bates said. “I’m immensely proud to have worn the fern so many times, and I’ve been filled with enormous purpose and joy in striving each day to be a better person, team-mate, cricketer, and athlete for this team.
“I have one final mission: to head to the UK – a place that holds so many special memories for me – and win another World Cup. I’m going to give every ounce of my energy to this final quest, dedicating every minute to helping this team play the kind of cricket we, and our country, can be proud of.”
A Career of Longevity and Impact
Bates made her domestic debut at just 15 years old in 2003 and stepped onto the international stage in 2006. Over the years, she has built an outstanding record, becoming the leading run-scorer in women’s T20 Internationals with 4717 runs and ranking fourth in women’s ODIs with 5964 runs.
She took over as New Zealand captain in July 2011 and led the side for nearly seven years. In 2016, she was recognised by Wisden as the leading women’s cricketer in the world.
Beyond cricket, Bates also represented New Zealand in basketball, competing for the Tall Ferns at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Tributes from Teammates and Officials
Paying tribute to those who supported her throughout her career, Bates said, “To my dear ones, my family, thank you for always being there,” she said. “And to my partner, Scotty, and his boys: you’ve shared in all the highs and the lows that this great game has brought into my life. I would also like to pay special tribute to the staff and coaches who have given so much to women’s cricket over many years, often with little recognition or reward.”
New Zealand captain Amelia Kerr described Bates as “one of the greatest cricketers of all time”.
“Growing up Suzie was my role model, and I was fortunate enough to make the team when she was captain,” Kerr said. “If you’ve ever been lucky enough to play alongside her, you’ll know that she’s one of the most selfless cricketers in the world and one of the greatest team-mates.
“Her record speaks for itself, she’s paved the way for a long time in women’s cricket, and what she’s done for cricket, the women’s game, and sport in New Zealand, she should be very proud of. She’ll be hugely missed in the White Ferns whānau [family], but I know she’s still got a bit more left in the tank.”
NZC Head of Women’s High Performance Development Liz Green also acknowledged Bates’ influence on the game.
“It’s hard to find the words for a player like Suzie,” Green said. The women’s game has been able to develop into what it is today because of players like her. You’ll hear a lot about her contributions on the field, but it’s who she is as a player, team-mate, and role model off the field that makes her one of the all-time greats, not only here in New Zealand but also internationally.
“She’ll leave the game with a profound legacy and will continue to inspire the next generation of players for years to come and that’s something pretty special to hang your hat on.”
