New Zealand bowler to have 'significantly reduced' role with Black Caps

The organization said Trent Boult would be released from his central contract by New Zealand Cricket on Wednesday. This will allow him to spend more time with his family and be available for domestic league play.

After multiple discussions with NZC, the 33-year-old fast bowler sought the release. The board eventually approved the arrangements on Wednesday.

Following a statement made by NZC, “Boult’s involvement with the BLACKCAPS will be drastically curtailed during his last years in the game, but he remains eligible for selection if and when available. Boult has taken 317 Test wickets, 169 ODI wickets, and 62 T20I wickets.

The pacer acknowledged that it was a tough choice to make and said that, as a fast bowler, he is aware of his narrow window of opportunity.

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“I want to thank NZC for helping me to this choice when it was a pretty difficult one for me. My boyhood passion was to play cricket for my nation, and I’m really pleased of everything I’ve accomplished with the BLACKCAPS over the last 12 years “Boult stated.

“This choice ultimately affects my wife Gert and our three young sons. My family has always been my main source of motivation, and I am comfortable prioritising them while preparing my family and I for life beyond cricket “Added he.

He acknowledged that the change would make him less likely to play for the BlackCaps.

“I still have a strong desire to represent my nation, and I believe I am capable of doing so on a global scale. I acknowledge that not having a national contract will reduce my selection prospects, however. Having said that, I realise that my career as a fast bowler is finite, and I believe the moment is appropriate to enter this new stage “Boult stated.

The left arm made it apparent during negotiations that his desire to tour had waned and that he wanted to spend more time with his family, according to NZC Chief Executive David White.

“Trent’s perspective is respected. While we are sorry to lose him as a fully-contracted player, he goes with our best wishes and our profound gratitude. He has been absolutely open and honest with us about his motivation “White stated.

“Since making his Test debut in late 2011, Trent has significantly aided the BLACKCAPS and is currently regarded as one of the top all-around cricketers in the world. We are quite pleased of his accomplishments, “Added he.

White said that he was certain Boult understood the implications of choice for his career as an international player.

“We’ve had multiple chats, and I know Trent knows that NZC will continue to give players with either central or domestic contracts a preference in terms of selection,” he added.