Follow Us on Google News
Trent Boult, one of New Zealand’s top pacer, might not play in the historic visit of Pakistan after New Zealand Cricket agreed to release Trent Boult from his central contract to allow the experienced pacer to spend more time with his family and be available to play in domestic leagues around the world.
While the decision does not mean an end to Boult’s glittering international career, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has made it clear that they will give priority at selection to players that are currently contracted.
This means, the pacer might not board the aircraft but rather participate in the forthcoming T20 league in the UAE.
The International T20 League will be taking place at the same time that the Blackcaps are touring Pakistan.
Boult will play for MI Emirates in the UAE International T20 League (ILT20) at the same Blackcaps will feature in three ODIs and two Tests in Pakistan.
Boult, a veteran of 78 Test matches and more than 130 white-ball games, said the ability to spend more time with his family over the coming years was influential in coming to his decision.
“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 said.
“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 is currently the No.1 ranked ODI bowler, with the left-armer having taken an impressive 169 wickets for New Zealand from a 93-match 50-over career that commenced more than 10 years ago.