My young family has made a lot of sacrifices over the years: Trent Boult

A few days ago, New Zealand Cricket agreed to release Trent Boult from their central contract list in order to allow him to spend more time with his family and be available for other domestic and franchise tournaments around the world. 

This, however, does not mean that Boult will no longer be in the scheme of things for New Zealand international cricket. The New Zealand board has made it clear that it will give priority to the centrally contracted players while selecting squads.

"In terms of selection, NZC will continue to make a priority of those players with either central or domestic contracts”, New Zealand Cricket CEO David White said in a media release.

Boult is currently the No.1 ranked ODI bowler, having taken 169 wickets for New Zealand from a 93-match career. In T20 internationals, Boult has played 46 games, picking up 63 wickets. In the longest format of the game, the left-arm seamer has 317 wickets in 78 games.

Boult, on his part, has said that the primary reason for withdrawing himself from the central contract list is to be able to spend more time with his family.

"I fully respect the fact I've been a fast bowler and we have a limited career span. It also comes with a lot of hard work and dedication and sacrifice as well."

"Of course my young family has made a lot of sacrifices over the years and it's a good chance for me to pay them back in a way and spend more time with them."

Respect the fact that there is life after cricket and I'm really looking forward to moving forward into that part of my career,” Boult said in a video message.

"I have a big desire to still represent my country. But I respect the fact that giving back my national contract will affect my chances of selection. But ultimately this decision has been about my family and putting them first and I feel like this is the right time to do that,” the 33-year-old added.

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