Former New Zealand Test opener Jeet Raval has announced his retirement from professional cricket ahead of the 2026-27 domestic season. The 38-year-old played 24 Tests for the Black Caps between 2016 and 2020 and built an impressive domestic career, scoring more than 10,000 runs in first-class cricket.
Raval’s cricket journey began after his family moved from Gujarat to Auckland during his teenage years. He made his first-class debut for Auckland in December 2008 and went on to represent Auckland, Central Districts and Northern Districts. He also captained Northern Districts to the Plunket Shield title in the 2024-25 season.
Jeet Raval Retires From Professional Cricket After 17-Year Career
Jeet Raval said he was at peace with his decision to retire and felt proud to have fulfilled his childhood ambition of representing New Zealand. He also credited his father for helping him pursue that dream after the family moved from India.
“It's with a great honour and a privilege that I made this decision,” Raval told Northern Districts Cricket Association. “I feel at peace and very content. The childhood dream [was] obviously to play for Black Caps and I look back with pride. It wasn't just my dream, [but] also my father's dream as well. We saw an opportunity and he moved the family here so I could have an opportunity to live my dream.”
Raval made his Test debut against Pakistan in Christchurch in 2016. He scored one century and seven half-centuries in 24 Tests and was part of New Zealand’s squad during the inaugural WTC cycle, which the team won in June 2021. He also joined the nationwide tour with the Test mace following the historic triumph.
Jeet Raval's Impressive Domestic Cricket Record
Jeet Raval established himself as one of New Zealand’s most successful domestic openers. He opened the batting in 285 of his 292 first-class innings, scoring 10,127 runs at an average of 37.36, including 23 centuries. In December 2025, he became the 30th New Zealander to reach 10,000 first-class runs.
He scored 8,662 runs in the Plunket Shield, with only Michael Papps, Matthew Sinclair and Peter Fulton finishing ahead of him in the competition’s all-time run charts. His final competitive match came against Central Districts in March 2026.
Raval also played a key role in Northern Districts’ drought-breaking Plunket Shield triumph in 2024-25. Apart from his batting and leadership, he claimed 14 wickets at an average of 11.14 with his part-time leg-spin, including his maiden five-wicket haul.
“The Ultimate Senior Pro”: Northern Districts General Manager Praises Jeet Raval
Northern Districts general manager of cricket Ian Sandbrook praised Raval’s contribution to the team and his influence on younger players.
“From an ND perspective, Jeet has been the ultimate senior pro and leader since joining us,” Sandbrook said. “His runs (and wickets!) and calm leadership will be missed. More than anything, though, Jeet is a great man. Respected, loyal, and an outstanding team-mate that has always given his best.”
Across limited-overs cricket, Raval scored 2,714 runs in 96 List A matches at an average of 30.15. He also made 1,484 runs in T20 cricket at an average of 21.50 and a strike rate of 121.44. Towards the end of his playing career, he worked as an assistant coach with Samoa under head coach Tarun Nethula.
Away from cricket, Raval has worked as a practising chartered accountant at an auditing firm. Following his retirement, he is expected to focus on his accounting career.
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