New Zealand's premier fast bowler Trent Boult will have a "significantly reduced" role with the national team after he asked to be released from his central contract, New Zealand Cricket said on Wednesday.
NZC announced that the 33-year-old wants to spend more time with his family and make himself available to play in the domestic leagues.
Boult has taken 317 wickets for New Zealand in 78 Test matches, 62 wickets in Twenty20 cricket and is top of the one-day international bowling rankings.
"This has been a really tough decision for me and I'd like to thank NZC for their support in getting to this point," said Boult, currently on New Zealand's tour of the West Indies.
"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.
"Ultimately, this decision is about my wife Gert and our three young boys."
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New Zealand's captain Kane Williamson with the Test mace after defeating India in the World Test Championship final in Southampton. AFP -
Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson guided New Zealand to victory in World Test Championship final against India in Southampton on Wednesday, June 23. Getty -
New Zealand's captain Kane Williamson guided his team to victory on day six of the World Test Championship final at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. AFP -
India fans in the stands cheer their team in Southampton. PA -
India's Ravichandran Ashwin, left, and teammates celebrate the dismissal of New Zealand's Devon Conway. AP -
India's Mohammed Shami, left, reacts in Southampton on Wednesday .AP -
New Zealand's Tim Southee, left, celebrates with teammates the dismissal of India's Mohammed Shami. AP -
New Zealand's Ross Taylor takes a catch to dismiss India's Ravichandran Ashwin off the bowling of Trent Boult. Reuters -
Trent Boult picked up three wickets in the second innings. Getty -
New Zealand's Kyle Jamieson, right, celebrates the dismissal of India's captain Virat Kohli. AP
Boult said that he understood the move would reduce his chances of playing international cricket.
"I still have a big desire to represent my country," he said.
"However, I respect the fact that not having a national contract will affect my chances of selection.
"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."
“We respect Trent’s position,” NZC chief executive David White said. “He’s been completely honest and upfront 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 has 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.”
Boult and Tim Southee formed one of the most feared new-ball partnerships in international cricket over the past decade, helping New Zealand to the inaugural World Test title last year and the finals of the last two 50-over World Cups.
With the proliferation of T20 leagues and the international calendar getting congested, more players are being expected to chose between managing national duties and pursuing franchise cricket.
Recently, star England all-rounder Ben Stokes decided to retire from ODI cricket, stating that playing all three formats was becoming "unsustainable". With the ICC also hosting one major event every year, the trend of players giving up international formats is likely to continue.
