New Delhi: The New Zealand Cricket on Wednesday agreed to release fast bowler Trent Boult from his central contract after the latter requested to be excused for spending more time with family and playing domestic tournaments across the globe.
Trent Boult, 33, ranks No.1 in the ICC Bowlers Rankings with astonishing stats next to his game. A veteran of 78 test matches, Boult confirmed that he took the decision to spend more time with his family in the coming years.
Boult in his illustrious run in international games has picked up 169 wickets in 93 ODIs.
With this step, the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has confirmed that the number of matches that Boult will play in international cricket will “significantly reduce”. The NZC further added that the board will now give priority on the selection of players who are part of the central contracts.
In a statement released by the NZC, Boult added that “This has been a really tough decision for me and I’d like to thank NZC for their support in getting to this point,”.
He further added that “Playing cricket for my country was a childhood dream and I’m so proud of everything I’ve been able to achieve with the BLACKCAPS over the past 12 years.”
Talking about the next phase of his life, he added that “I still have a big desire to represent my country and feel I have the skills to deliver at the international level. 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.”