Suzie Bates Returns to Otago Contract After 20 Years as New Zealand Women's Domestic Squads Confirmed

Former New Zealand captain and legendary allrounder Suzie Bates has signed a domestic contract with Otago for the first time in two decades, marking a new chapter in her illustrious cricket career after retiring from international cricket earlier this year.

The 38-year-old called time on her international career following New Zealand's group-stage exit at the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup. Bates, who is currently serving as the batting coach for Sunrisers Leeds in The Hundred under head coach Adi Birrell, will now shift her focus entirely to the Otago Sparks for the upcoming New Zealand domestic season.

According to an Otago Cricket statement, Bates will be available for both the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield and the Super Smash, continuing a remarkable domestic career spanning 23 years.

Last season, Bates was restricted to just one one-day appearance for Otago after suffering a tendon injury while fielding in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield. The injury also ruled her out of the Super Smash campaign.

Her return to a full domestic contract comes in an interesting twist, with promising batter Abby Fookes, who was born in 2006—the same year Bates last held an Otago domestic contract—earning her maiden deal with the Sparks.

Otago women's pathway manager Sarah Tsukigawa welcomed the blend of youth and experience in the squad.

"It's exciting for Abby to be in the Sparks squad with the experience that Suzie brings. Abby will learn a lot about being a cricketer both on and off the field from Suzie. We are very fortunate to be able to watch Suzie play for the Sparks for another season," Tsukigawa said.

She also praised Fookes' potential, describing the young batter as a mature cricketer with a bright future ahead.

Bates retires from international cricket as New Zealand's highest run-scorer across all formats and the leading run-scorer in Women's T20 Internationals, leaving behind one of the most distinguished careers in the history of the women's game.

Claudia Green and Gemma Sims Step Away from Cricket

Meanwhile, New Zealand domestic cricket will bid farewell to two more players.

Central Districts seamer Claudia Green has announced her retirement from both domestic and international cricket at the age of 28. Green toured England twice with the New Zealand squad in 2021 as a reserve bowler before deciding to pursue opportunities outside the game.

In a statement, Central Districts said the former physical education graduate and teacher was stepping away from cricket to focus on her professional career and explore new opportunities beyond the sport.

Wellington Blaze batter Gemma Sims has also decided to retire from professional cricket shortly after celebrating her 25th birthday.

Sims made her domestic debut for the Central Hinds during the 2020–21 season before moving to the Wellington Blaze ahead of the 2023–24 campaign. Reflecting on her career, she said the friendships, challenges and shared experiences with the Blaze would remain her fondest memories.

"I'm excited to watch the Blaze continue to grow and create more special moments together," Sims said.

New Zealand Women's Domestic Contracts Announced

New Zealand Cricket's six major associations have confirmed their contracted players for the upcoming domestic season.

Otago: Suzie Bates, Emma Black, Anna Browning, Harriett Cuttance, Chloe Deerness, Abby Fookes, Louisa Kotkamp, Hannah O'Connor, Anika Todd, PJ Watkins, Saffron Wilson.

Auckland: Olivia Anderson, Bella Armstrong, Elizabeth Buchanan, Prue Catton, Ella Drumm, Amie Hucker, Talia Hurley, Ayaan Lambat, Eve Meachen, Josie Penfold, Anika Tauwhare, Kat Thomas.

Canterbury: Kate Anderson, Sarah Asmussen, Missy Banks, Kate Chandler, Stella Cornelius, Olivia Gain, Abigale Gerken, Ciara Hartland, Abigail Hotton, Kate Irwin, Darcy Prasad, Gabby Sullivan.

Central Districts: Aniela Apperley, Georgia Atkinson, Elizabeth Cohr, Grace Foreman, Kate Gaging, Yasmeen Kareem, Ashtuti Kumar, Emma McLeod, Jess Ogden, Cate Pedersen, Kerry Tomlinson, Abby Treder.

Northern Districts: Lucy Boucher, Skye Bowden, Sophie Court, Marama Downes, Catlin Gurrey, Rishika Jaswal, Kayley Knight, Marina Lamplough, Holly Topp, Tash Wakelin, Jess Watkin, Eve Wolland.

Wellington: Hannah Francis, Isla McKenzie, Isy Parry, Jess McFayden, Jess Simmons, Natasha Codyre, Neha Ramanathan, Nicole Baird, Rachel Bryant, Rebecca Burns, Sam Mackinder, Xara Jetly.