Martin Guptill released from central contract by New Zealand Cricket

New Zealand Cricket NZC has released veteran opener Martin Guptill from his central contract announced the board on WednesdayNew Zealand Cricket has agreed to release Martin Guptill from his central contract so he can pursue playing opportunities elsewhere said a statement from NZCThe 36yearold opening batsman has been a fixture in NZ white ball squads for the best part of 14 years but did not play in the recently completed T20 World Cup and was not selected for the current T20 and ODI series against IndiaHe has represented New Zealand in 47 Tests and has scored 2586 runs at an average of 2938 Three centuries and 17 fifties have come out of his bat in this format with the best score of 189In 198 ODIs Guptill has scored 7346 runs at an average of 4173 in 195 innings He has 18 ODI tons and 39 halfcenturies to his name with the best score of 237 Besides this he has also scored 3531 runs in 122 T20IS at an average of 3181 with two tons and 20 fifties and the best score of 105Following discussions with NZC it was agreed Guptills request for a release should be accepted effective immediately New Zealands leading T20 runscorer the thirdhighest in the ODI format and third on the world alltime T20 list Guptill has emphasised he is not retiring from international cricket and still wishes to be considered for BLACKCAPS selection when available 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 contractsAlso Read Finn Allen added to New Zealands squad for series against India Martin Guptill Trent Boult outWe understand Martins position said NZC chief executive David White He has been a fantastic batsman for us for a long period of time and we certainly do not wish to stand in his way as he explores other opportunitiesMartins been a giant of the white ball game a committed and wellrespected member of the Blackcaps and has earned the right to play out his career on his own terms He leaves his contract with our best wishes Guptill is the third NZ player to request a release this year after Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme but White said he was comfortable with the existing contracting and selection systemPlayers such as Martin Trent and Colin with long and successful international trackrecords inevitably end up with alternative playing options at this stage of their careers and we respect that It is just part of the natural ebb and flow of individual careers within team sportGuptill said playing for New Zealand remained his ultimate goal as it had been for his entire cricketing career However he also wanted to continue playing cricket at the highest level possible wherever and for whoever that might bePlaying for my country has been a massive honour and I am grateful to everyone within the Blackcaps and NZC for their support he said But equally I am realistic enough to understand the need to consider my options in the current circumstancesWith this release Im still available for New Zealand I have the chance to explore other opportunities and I also get to spend more time with my family which is important he concluded A replacement to fill Guptills central contract vacancy will be named in due courseThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever