'This Will Be My Last...': Trent Boult On His Retirement After T20 World Cup 2024
Trent confirms that he won't play another T20 World Cup (x.com)
New Zealand's left-arm pacer Trent Boult has announced that the current T20 World Cup will mark his final participation in the tournament.
Following New Zealand's elimination from the T20 World Cup 2024, they have one remaining group match against Papua New Guinea. This upcoming game will serve as Trent Boult's farewell match in the T20 World Cup.
Since making his debut for New Zealand in 2011, Trent Boult has been an important player of their bowling attack. Despite participating in four T20 World Cups, Boult has not won a title for New Zealand in the shorter format.
"Speaking on behalf of myself, this will be my last T20 World Cup. That's all I have to say," Boult said at the press conference after New Zealand's nine-wicket win over Uganda.
However, it remains uncertain whether Boult will continue to play in future T20 World Cups as he opted out of a central contract in 2022, preferring to participate in T20 franchise cricket worldwide instead.
Boult also spoke openly about his relationship with his longtime partner, Tim Southee.
"I look at the partnership with Tim with very fond memories. We bowled a lot of overs together. I know the partnership very well, and obviously he's a very good friend on and off the ground. It was nice to wind back the clock a little bit and see a bit of swing bowling at the top. Some great memories, and hopefully a couple more still to come," Boult added.
Finding a replacement for Boult won't be easy for New Zealand, as he is a unique player. Boult will continue to play in franchise cricket and is currently part of the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.
However, with a mega auction scheduled this year, there is a possibility his team affiliation could change.