New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has agreed to their fast bowler Trent Boult’s demand of releasing him from the central contract roster. Boult reasoned he wants to spend more time with his family and prioritize T20 leagues to lengthen his career.
Boult’s international career is far from over, but his role and availability within the national set-up will be decreased. NZC has also hinted that the priority will be given to those who are already contracted to them.
“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.”
With the proliferation of the T20 league around the world, it was expected to see some of the biggest names turning their back to international cricket. We take a look at five cricketers who may soon follow Boult’s path:
David Warner
As per a recent report, Cricket Australia (CA) has offered in excess of $ 500,000 to David Warner to play Big Bash League (BBL) instead of joining the newly formed UAE-based T20 league. Warner is among the hottest properties of the T20 crickets, and franchises across the globe would like him to play for their team. At 35, there’s not much cricket left in him, thus Warner may choose lucrative T20 leagues over his national side in the near future.
Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock has already retired from Test cricket to focus on his white-ball games. With the advent of two more leagues – one in his own country and the other in the UAE – it shouldn’t come as surprise if de Kock misses international games to play franchise cricket. After his Test retirement, de Kock said, “It’s hard to say ‘no’ to some of the contracts that are put forward compared to what your country gives you. So it’s natural that this will happen. That’s the way it’s going to go.”
Wanindu Hasaranga
Wanindu Hasaranga has emerged as a premier leg-spinner who had received interest from as many as four IPL franchises earlier this year. Sri Lankan cricket is also facing the heat of the economic recession, and they can never match the offers put forward by the T20 franchises. It’s only logical for players like Hasaranga to prioritise T20 tournaments to maximise their earnings.
Liam Livingstone
One of the most sought-after players, Liam Livingstone has already become a perfect model for an aspiring freelance cricketer. Since he plays only T20I for England, managing the schedule is not much of a problem. But in the future, if international cricket becomes an obstacle, he is likely to choose franchise cricket.
Dushmantha Chameera
Last year, Dushmantha Chameera received a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to play IPL, and he joined the national side days before the warm-up games for ICC T20I World Cup. Chameera has always been bothered by recurrent injuries, and as a fast bowler, he would always prefer T20s ahead of the other two formats.
Lead image: Blackcaps/Twitter
