The landscape of women’s T20 cricket is shifting rapidly, and according to New Zealand legend and Gujarat Giants (GG) star Sophie Devine, we are witnessing a tactical evolution. With the Women’s Premier League (WPL) recently seeing two “retired out” dismissals in just two days, the debate over whether this is strategic genius or poor sportsmanship has been reignited.
The Tactical Rise of the “Retired Out” Dismissal
Traditionally, leaving the crease without an injury was seen as a sign of weakness or a blow to a player’s ego. However, in the high-stakes environment of the WPL, it is becoming a calculated maneuver. Ayushi Soni made history as the first player retired out in the competition during a match against Mumbai Indians. Just 24 hours later, the UP Warriorz sparked controversy by retiring out Harleen Deol while she was on 47.
Devine views this not as an insult to the batter, but as a vital tool for team momentum. “It’s just another strategic option,” Devine noted during a media interaction. She emphasized that while the move will always divide opinion, the goal is always to put the team’s needs first. This trend isn’t isolated to the WPL; in 2026, men’s franchise leagues have seen a surge in the tactic, with high-profile players like Mohammad Rizwan also being retired out to bring in more explosive finishers.
The risks, however, are real. When the Warriorz retired Deol, the move backfired spectacularly. The team collapsed, scoring only 13 runs in the final three overs. Devine acknowledges that like any gamble—such as a bowling change or a risky shot—it won’t always pay off. For her, the key to making this work lies in clear communication. Coaches must ensure players understand the “why” behind the decision to maintain their confidence for the next game.
Balancing the Scales: Why Women’s Cricket Needs Rule Adjustments
Beyond the “retired out” debate, Devine is calling for structural changes to the game to keep up with the increasing power of female athletes. With scores of 190+ becoming common in the WPL, she believes the current rules provide an unfair advantage to batters.
Devine is advocating for two major changes:
- Five Fielders Out: Currently, women’s T20s allow only four fielders outside the 30-yard circle after the powerplay. Devine argues it’s time to align with the men’s game and allow five, challenging batters to find gaps rather than just clearing the rope.
- Larger Boundaries: With WPL boundaries capped at 65 yards, many hits are clearing the fence with ease. Devine suggests that longer boundaries would bring “nuance” back to the game, rewarding players who can run hard twos and threes rather than just “bludgeoning” the ball.
As an allrounder, Devine sees both sides of the coin. While flat wickets and short boundaries make for a great “highlights reel,” she believes the sport is more interesting when bowlers have a fair fighting chance. By increasing the boundary size and adding an extra fielder in the deep, the WPL could transition from a pure power-hitting contest into a more strategic and skill-based battle.
