New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has released Martin Guptill from the national men’s central contract, the country’s board announced. The news surfaced after the veteran batter was left out for the T20I and ODI series against India.
Guptill also didn’t play a single match in the T20 World Cup on Australian soil as the Black Caps preferred Finn Allen over him. Guptill became the third player to back out of the central contract after fast bowler Trent Boult and all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme.
“Following discussions with NZC, it was agreed Guptill’s request for a release should be accepted, effective immediately. For its part, NZC has made it clear to him that, while he would remain eligible for selection, preference would continue to be given to those players with central or domestic contracts,” NZC announced in a statement on Wednesday, November 23.
“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,” Guptill was quoted as saying.
