New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has agreed to release Trent Boult from his central contract after the fast bowler expressed his wish to spend more time with his family and to make himself available for T20 leagues. Boult, 33, had held several conversations with NZC prior to Wednesday’s announcement.
The move could have huge ramifications for New Zealand given the proliferation of T20 leagues within the time period of their summer domestic season.“This has been a really tough decision for me and I’d like to thank NZC for their support in getting to this point,” Boult said in an NZC 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.”Boult understood that his decision would affect his selection for New Zealand.
“I still have a big desire to represent my country and feel I have the skills to deliver at the international level,” he said.
“However, I respect the fact that not having a national contract will affect my chances of selection. Having said that, as a fast bowler I know I have a limited career span, and I feel the time is right to move into this next phase.”Boult has represented New Zealand 215 times across three formats, He made his debut against Australia in the famous 2011 Test victory in Hobart. He is one of only four men with 300 Test wickets for New Zealand, having 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. He is currently the No.1 ranked ODI bowler and is ranked 11th in the Test list. Boult and Tim Southee have been one of the most feared strike partnerships in international cricket over the last decade, helping New Zealand to the inaugural World Test title last year.“We respect Trent’s position,”said NZC chief executive David White. “He’s been completely honest with us about his reasoning.”
Written with Reuters inputs
