Boult granted release from New Zealand Cricket central contract

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has agreed to release Trent Boult from his central contract as the left-arm paceman wants to spend more time with his family, while also making himself available for domestic leagues. The 33-year-old had several conversations with NZC and will now have a “significantly reduced” role with the Black Caps. 

"This has been a really tough decision for me and I'd like to thank NZC for their support in getting to this point. 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,” said Boult.

"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 hasn’t retired from his international cricket but understands that this decision will affect his selection for New Zealand going forward. "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."

NZC chief executive David White added: "We've had several conversations and I know Trent understands that, in terms of selection, NZC will continue to make a priority of those players with either central or domestic contracts."

The left-armer made his international debut in December 2011 and has featured in 78 Tests, 93 ODIs and 44 T20Is, picking up 548 wickets across all three formats. Boult, who is currently the top-ranked ODI bowler in the world, is one of the only four New Zealand bowlers to have taken 300 Test wickets.

"We respect Trent's position. He's been completely honest and up-front with us about his reasoning and, while we're sad to be losing him as a fully-contracted player, he leaves with our best wishes and our sincere thanks," said White.

"Trent's made a massive contribution to the Black Caps since his Test debut in late 2011 and is now considered one of the best multi-format cricketers in the world. We're very proud of what he's achieved."