Hayley Jensen Announces Retirement from International Cricket After 11-Year Career

A respected WHITE FERN says goodbye to the global stage

Hayley Jensen, the dynamic New Zealand allrounder who has worn the WHITE FERNS jersey with pride since 2014, has officially called time on her international cricket career. At 32, Jensen exits the global game as one of New Zealand’s most consistent and versatile performers across formats leaving behind a legacy built on resilience, work ethic, and fierce competitiveness.

Her retirement brings the curtain down on an 11-year career that included appearances in four ICC Women’s T20 World Cups, a 2022 Women’s World Cup on home soil, and a historic bronze medal finish at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Jensen confirmed her decision in a heartfelt statement, reflecting on the journey from childhood dream to international reality:

“Ever since I was 10 years old, I came home from my first cricket tournament and knew I wanted to be a WHITE FERN. To have had the chance to live that dream is something I’ll always treasure.”

From debut to dependable: Hayley Jensen’s cricketing arc

Jensen made her international debut in 2014, facing the West Indies in both ODI and T20 formats. While her early years in the side were sporadic, her breakout moment came during the 2018 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, where she cemented her place in the squad.

Over the course of her career, Jensen featured in 88 international matches 35 ODIs and 53 T20Is. With 1,988 runs and 76 wickets, she built a reputation as a hard-hitting middle-order batter and a clever medium-pace bowler who could swing the ball and break partnerships at key moments.

One of her finest moments came during the 2020 T20 World Cup, where she was named Player of the Match in the opening fixture against Sri Lanka, taking 3/16 and leading New Zealand to victory. It was a performance that summed up her value reliable, composed, and ready when her team needed her.

Commonwealth Games glory and memorable milestones

Among Jensen’s proudest career highlights was helping New Zealand secure the bronze medal at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. In a high-stakes playoff against England, Jensen delivered a match-winning spell of 3/24, playing a pivotal role in one of New Zealand’s most celebrated performances in recent years.

That game also reinforced her ability to perform under pressure, in front of packed stadiums, and in unfamiliar conditions—hallmarks of a player who has consistently put the team first.

Beyond stats, Jensen has been a vocal advocate for the growth of women’s cricket, speaking openly about professional opportunities, gender equity, and the evolving nature of the game.

An emotional farewell, but a legacy that stays

While her departure may feel sudden to fans, Jensen admitted it was a decision she’d been contemplating for some time.

“It’s never easy to move on from something that’s meant this much, but I know in my heart it’s time. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and even prouder to have been part of the WHITE FERNS environment.”

WHITE FERNS head coach Ben Sawyer led the tributes, thanking her for the dedication she showed to the national team.

“Hayley has made key contributions to the team with both bat and ball on the field and always brought a genuine passion and love for the game. We wish her all the best for whatever the future holds.”

Jensen’s mix of grit and grace made her a teammate others relied on and an opponent they respected. Whether charging in with the new ball or building a lower-order partnership, she always brought intensity and purpose to the field.

What’s next for Hayley Jensen?

Although she’s stepping away from international duties, Jensen has not ruled out continuing with domestic cricket, with a final decision on that front expected in the coming months. Her experience and form will undoubtedly be in demand for leagues across New Zealand and potentially Australia, where she has previously played in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).

With growing interest in women's cricket globally and the rise of franchise tournaments, players like Jensen, with proven credentials and leadership ability, could transition into mentorship, commentary, coaching, or even player development roles.

Whatever she chooses next, it’s clear that Hayley Jensen’s voice and perspective will remain valuable to the broader cricketing community.

The changing face of the WHITE FERNS

Jensen’s retirement signals a new chapter for the WHITE FERNS. With recent changes in the squad and an influx of young talent, New Zealand’s women’s cricket team is in a transitional phase. The departure of a senior player like Jensen not only leaves a technical gap but also a leadership void especially in moments that require calm and clarity under pressure.

But Jensen leaves behind more than stats she leaves a blueprint for what it means to be a professional cricketer in New Zealand. Her story is one of patience, perseverance, and pride, and will inspire the next generation of WHITE FERNS to dream big and work harder.