Martin Guptill decided to move out of New Zealand Cricket Central Contract after he was avoided by the selectors for the New Zealand vs India ODI series. He has decided to play in the Global T20 Leagues and has joined Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme who were earlier released from the playing contracts in 2022. They can now gran opportunities in domestic ehite0ball competitions globally.
Guptill didn’t play for the Blackcaps even during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign hosted by Australia or the T20I series against India. He added that he doesn’t want to retire from International cricket and would want to play for his country again.
“Playing for my country has been a massive honor, and I’m grateful to everyone within the Black Caps and New Zealand Cricket for their support. But, equally, I’m realistic enough to understand the need to consider my options in the current circumstances. With this release, I’m still available for New Zealand, I have the chance to explore other opportunities, and I also get to spend more time with my family – which is important,” he said
At this moment, Guptill is the highest run scorer in T20I cricket and he’s the third-highest scorer in the ODI format. New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White stated that there is no assurance for Guptill in the future selection and cricketers of the central and domestic contracts will be preferred first.
He further added “We understand Martin’s position. He’s been a fantastic batsman for us for a long period of time, and we certainly don’t wish to stand in his way as he explores other opportunities.”
Head coach Gary Stead predicted that New Zealand will face a struggle if the T20 leagues changed after the T20 World Cup, but White is optimistic that the sport can adapt.
Guptill has amassed 3531 runs in T20Is, and 7346 runs at 41.73 in ODIs, with their highest individual score of 237 not out.
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