Boult to step back from international cricket

Trent Boult has signalled a winding down of his international career after New Zealand Cricket agreed to release the world's No.1-ranked ODI bowler from his central contract.

Citing a desire to spend more time with family, while also making himself available for domestic leagues around the world, Boult requested the release after several conversations with New Zealand Cricket (NZC).

In a statement, NZC chief executive David White said Boult had made it clear during discussions that his appetite for touring had diminished, and that he wished to spend more time with his family.

The 33-year-old will still be available for international selection if and when available but will have a significantly reduced role with the Black Caps during the final years of his career.

He is currently with the Black Caps in the West Indies for a white-ball tour leading into October's T20 World Cup in Australia.

Injuries and performance pending, Boult is still likely to be picked for that tournament.

Beyond that, Boult plans devote more time to domestic competitions and looms as an obvious candidate to join the newly launched UAE T20 League.

The Big Bash League is also a possibility with Boult having never played in the tournament as it clashes with New Zealand's own home summer.

Boult has been a central part of New Zealand's success over the past decade, playing 78 Tests, 93 ODIs and 44 T20Is, including the World Test Championship final victory over India last year.

He also featured in the 2015 and 2019 ODI World Cup finals, and the 2021 T20 World Cup final, losing twice to Australia.

Boult said the call to step away was a "really tough decision".

"Playing cricket for my country was a childhood dream and I'm so proud of everything I've been able to achieve with the Black Caps 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.

"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."

White said Black Caps selectors would continue to prioritise players with central or domestic contracts and Boult understood his decision would diminish his chances of playing for New Zealand.

"We respect Trent's position," White said.

"He's been completely honest and up-front with us about his reasoning and, while we're sad to be losing him as a fully-contracted player, he leaves with our best wishes and our sincere thanks.

"Trent's made a massive contribution to the Black Caps since his Test debut in late 2011 and is now considered one of the best multi-format cricketers in the world.

"We're very proud of what he's achieved."

It comes after England Test captain Ben Stokes announced a shock retirement from one-day internationals last month to prioritise the Test and T20 formats, saying he could no longer give his teammates "100 per cent" in 50-over cricket.