CHRISTCHURCH: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Wednesday agreed to release Trent Boult from the central contract upon his request as the left-arm pacer wants to spend more time with his family and make himself available for franchise cricket. 

Boult’s international career is likely to take a toll by the decision as NZC prefers the centrally contracted players for the selection in the national team, however, the board will not overlook the pacer for the upcoming T20 world cup in Australia.

“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,” said NZC chief executive David White according to a statement released by NZC.

NZC chief said the left-arm pacer had made it clear during conversations with the board that his desire for travelling had diminished and that he wanted more time for his family.

The 33-year-old, who has been a vital part of Blackcaps over the last decade and is currently the top-ranked ODI bowler, said the decision had been tough for him.

“Playing cricket for my country was a childhood dream and I’m so proud of everything I’ve been able to achieve with the BLACKCAPS over the past 12 years,” he said

“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.”

While Boult was aware that his decision would have an impact on his international career, he believed the time had come to move on to the next phase.

“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.” he concluded.

Reportedly, Boult’s participation in one of the new T20 leagues, either the UAE or South Africa, will be announced soon.

It is pertinent to mention here that the speedster has represented Black Caps in the 78 Tests, 93 ODIs and 44 Tests while taking an overall 548 international wickets so far including 317 scalps in the red-ball cricket

READ: Yadav fails to dethrone Babar from top slot in T20I rankings