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‘The future is here’ – Trent Boult released from central contract, will continue to play domestic leagues

by Wisden Staff 2 minute read

New Zealand Cricket has released Trent Boult from his central contract to enable him to spend more time with his family and make himself available for domestic leagues.

Boult, 33, will still be eligible for selection if and when available, but will have a “significantly reduced role” to play for the international side for the rest of his career. However, he will play in New Zealand’s white-ball series against West Indies in the entirety, starting on August 10.

Boult has taken 317 Test wickets to go with another 169 in ODIs and 62 in T20Is, and has been the spearhead of the New Zealand attack for years now. However, at this point, he wants to spend more time with his family, which includes his three children. He wants to cut down on touring time, said NZC chief David White: “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.”

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White also gave an inkling of the future of Boult the international cricketer: “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.”

Boult took the decision to prepare himself for life after cricket: “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.

“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.”

The decision prompted a lot of responses, with viewers increasingly getting concerned over the future of international cricket, which faces a threat due to various domestic leagues.

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