New Zealand Cricket terminates Martin Guptill's national contract

Martin Guptill in action [Source: Twitter]

In a significant development, New Zealand Cricket has released Martin Guptill from the central contract. 

Notably, Guptill, who was excluded from the ODI and T20I squads for the ongoing India series, had requested the board to terminate his contract, so that he could pursue playing opportunities elsewhere. 

However, the legendary opener will remain available for selection. In his reaction, Guptill expressed his satisfaction at fulfilling his dream to represent the national team with the utmost success. He also thanked the board for understanding his situation and allowing him to explore other opportunities. 

Here's what Guptill stated

"Playing for my country has been a massive honour, and I’m grateful to everyone within the BLACKCAPS and NZC 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."

In his thirteen-year-long international career, Guptill has represented New Zealand in 47 Tests, 198 ODIs and 122 T20Is, scoring 2586, 7346 and 3531 runs, respectively. He is New Zealand's leading T20I run-scorer, the third-highest in the ODI format, and third on the world all-time T20I run-getters list. 

The 36-year-old didn't get a single game in the T20 World Cup, following which he was omitted from the squad for the India series, as New Zealand wanted to test Finn Allen at the top of the order. 

Guptill is the third BLACKCAPS player to request a release this year, after Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme. The board will name a replacement to fill his central contract vacancy soon.

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