Archive · 18 Jun 2025
Illing and James Secure Contracts; Devine Opts for Casual Deal
Two new cricket players in New Zealand, Bree Illing and Bella James, got big contracts.
This means they will be paid to play cricket for the country.
Before this, they did a good job in their domestic matches.
Sophie Devine, a more experienced player, decided to play but in a less formal way.
The new players have been doing great, like when Bree bowled well and when Bella started playing internationally.
The people in charge of cricket in New Zealand are happy for the new players.
Bree Illing and Bella James secured their first New Zealand women's central contracts for the 2025-26 season.
Sophie Devine opted for a casual playing contract after announcing her retirement from ODI cricket.
Illing, a left-arm seamer, has impressed with her bowling, including taking six wickets in her ODI and T20I debuts against Sri Lanka.
James, a batter, has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, earning her maiden international call-up.
The announcement was made by the NZC Head of Women's High Performance, Liz Green.
- Who
- Bree Illing, Bella James, and Sophie Devine.
- What
- New Zealand women's cricket contracts were awarded.
- When
- For the 2025-26 season.
- Where
- New Zealand.
- Why
- To recognize performance and plan for the future of the team.
- Players Awarded Contracts
- Bree Illing, Bella James
- Sophie Devine
- Opted for casual contract
- Illing's Debut
- ODI and T20I against Sri Lanka
- James' Debut
- International debut against Australia
- Location
- Christchurch, New Zealand