A day after being released from his New Zealand central contract, veteran opener Martin Guptill has joined Melbourne Renegades for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) 2022-23, starting December 13 in Canberra.
Guptill is the latest Black Caps player to play in the BBL after getting released from the contract. Earlier, fast bowler Trent Boult also followed the same route and joined Melbourne Stars in the overseas player draft in August.
Further, all-rounder, Colin de Grandhomme has also been released from New Zealand Cricket to represent Adelaide Strikers. The difference, however, is that Grandhomme has retired from international cricket while Guptill and Boult haven’t.
Guptill, who has accumulated almost 11,000 runs across 320 games for his country in ODI and T20I cricket, has been roped in at Renegades as a replacement for No. 1 draft pick Liam Livingstone, who withdrew from the season due to international commitments. Guptill will join the Renegades following Andre Russell’s four-game stint at the beginning of the tournament.
“I’m excited to be joining the Renegades and am looking forward to being part of the Big Bash this season. This is a new challenge for me, and it will be nice to call Melbourne home for the summer. I’ll be trying to make as many runs as I can to help drive the Renegades back up the ladder and push for team success,” said Guptill in an official statement.
“I’ve crossed paths with a few of the guys over the years on the international circuit and know this will be a great team environment to be part of. I can’t wait to join up with the team after Christmas and play in front of plenty of Renegades fans at Marvel Stadium and in Geelong,” he added.
Notably, Guptill’s only appearance in the BBL came in a one-off game for Sydney Thunder ten seasons ago. James Rosengarten, Renegades General Manager, said the club is delighted to have Guptill on board.
“We’re delighted to have a player of Martin’s calibre joining the Renegades, and we’re excited that he has chosen to play for our club. Martin’s record over a long period of time in the shortest form of the game for New Zealand and in domestic competitions around the world speaks for itself. We know Martin will add a wealth of experience and knowledge to our playing group and look forward to seeing what he can produce in red,” said Rosengarten.
