CHRISTCHURCH: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) agreed on Wednesday to release Trent Boult from the center contract at his request as the left-arm pacemaker wants to spend more time with his family and make himself available to the cricket franchise.
Boult’s international career is likely to take its toll on the decision with NZC preferring centrally contracted players to selection in the national team, however the board will not overlook the pacemaker for the upcoming T20 world cup in Australia. .
“We have had several conversations and I know Trent understands that in terms of selection, NZC will continue to prioritize those players with central or national contracts,” NZC chief executive David White said, according to a statement released by NZC..
The NZC chief said the pacemaker in his left arm had made it clear during talks with the board that his desire to travel had diminished and he wanted more time for his family.
The 33-year-old, who has been a vital part of the Blackcaps for the past decade and is currently the highest-ranked ODI bowler, said the decision had been a difficult one for him.
“Playing cricket for my country was a childhood dream and I am so proud of everything I have been able to achieve with the BLACKCAPS over the last 12 years,” he said.
“Ultimately, this decision is about my wife Gert and our three young children.
Family has always been the biggest motivator for me and I feel comfortable putting it first and preparing us for life after cricket.”
While Boult was aware that his decision would have an impact on his international career, he believed that the time had come to move on to the next phase.
“I still have a great desire to represent my country and I feel I have the skills to deliver internationally,” he said.
“However, I respect the fact that not having a national contract will affect my selection chances.”
Having said that, as a fast bowler I know I have a limited career and I think the time is right to move on to the next phase.” He concluded.
Boult’s participation in one of the new T20 leagues, either in the United Arab Emirates or South Africa, will reportedly be announced soon.
It is pertinent to mention here that the sprinter has represented the Black Caps in all 78 Tests, 93 ODIs and 44 Tests while taking a total of 548 international wickets so far, including 317 scalps in red ball cricket.
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