New Zealand all-rounder Suzy Bates has announced her retirement from international cricket following the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England.
Bates, who recently returned from a quadriceps injury, is set to be named in New Zealand’s 15-man squad for the tournament next Wednesday at an announcement event at her former school, Otago Girls’ High School.
He will travel with the squad for New Zealand’s ODI and T20I tour of England in early May. As defending champions, the White Ferns will be aiming to retain their title, with Bates determined to end his career on a high.
Bates reminisced about his journey, expressing pride and gratitude for his time in international cricket.
“When I look back over the last 20-plus years, I can’t believe how quickly time has gone by,” Bates said. “I am very proud to wear the Fern so many times and I am filled with immense purpose and joy to strive every day as a great person, team player, cricketer and sportsman for this team.
“I have one ultimate mission: to go to England – a place that holds so many special memories for me – to win another World Cup. I’m going to give every ounce of my energy to this ultimate quest and dedicate every minute to playing cricket that makes us and our country proud.”
Bates made his domestic debut in 2003 aged just 15 before earning an international cap in 2006.
She is currently the highest run-scorer in Women’s T20 Internationals with 4,717 runs and fourth in Women’s ODIs with 5,964 runs. Appointed captain in July 2011, he led New Zealand for nearly seven years. In 2016, she was named the World’s Leading Women’s Cricketer by Wiston.
Beyond cricket, Bates also represented New Zealand in basketball, featuring for the Tall Ferns at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
He paid tribute to those close to him, adding: “Thank you to my loved ones, my family, for always being there,” he said. “To my partner Scotty and his boys: You have shared all the highs and lows this great game has brought into my life. I want to pay special tribute to the staff and coaches who have given so much to women’s cricket over the years with little recognition or reward.”
New Zealand captain Amelia Kerr hailed Bates as one of the greatest players in the history of the game.
“Growing up Suzy was my role model and I was lucky enough to make the team when she was captain,” Kerr said. “If you’ve ever been lucky enough to play with him, you know he’s one of the most selfless cricketers in the world and one of the best teammates.
“Her record speaks for itself, she has led the way in women’s cricket for a long time and she should be proud of what she has done for cricket, women’s sport and sport in New Zealand. She will be greatly missed in the White Ferns whanau (family).
NZC Women’s High Performance Development Head Liz Green said Bates’ impact on the sport was immeasurable.
“It’s hard to find words for a player like Suzy,” Green said. It is because of players like her that the women’s game has progressed to where it is today. You hear a lot about his contribution on the field, but it is his presence as a player, teammate and role model off the field that makes him one of the all-time greats, not only in New Zealand but internationally.
“He will leave the game with a deep legacy and inspire the next generation of players for years to come, and that’s something very special to hang your hat on.”