Fast bowler Trent Boult has signalled a tail off to his international career after New Zealand Cricket (NZC) agreed to release him from the central contract.
Expressing a desire to spend more time with family while also making himself available for domestic leagues around the world, Boult had requested NZC to release him from the contract.
This also means that the left-arm pacer, who has played 78 Tests, 93 ODIs and 44 T20Is, will have a significantly reduced role with the national side while still being eligible for selection if and when available.
“This has been a really tough decision for me, and I’d like to thank NZC for their support in getting to this point,” said Boult in a statement.
“Playing cricket for my country was a childhood dream, and I’m so proud of everything I’ve been able to achieve with the Black Caps over the past 12 years. Ultimately this decision is about my wife, Gert and our three young boys. Family has always been the biggest motivator for me, and I feel comfortable with putting it first and preparing ourselves for life after cricket,” he added.
Notably, Boult has taken 317 scalps at 27.49 with 10 five-wicket hauls and one ten-for. He also has 169 ODI wickets and 62 in T20Is. The 33-year-old is currently the No.1 ranked ODI bowler in the world and is ranked 11th on the Test rankings.
“We respect Trent’s position. He’s been completely honest and up-front with us about his reasoning, and, while we’re sad to be losing him as a fully-contracted player, he leaves with our best wishes and our sincere thanks,” said NZC chief executive David White
“Trent’s made a massive contribution to the BLACKCAPS since his Test debut in late 2011 and is now considered one of the best multi-format cricketers in the world. We’re very proud of what he’s achieved,” he added.
