Martin Guptill, a seasoned New Zealand opener, has been dismissed from his core contract by New Zealand cricket after being left off the team for the white-ball series against India.

Guptill was the third New Zealand cricketer to be released from the central contract, following Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme.

Martin Guptill (Iamge Credits: Twitter)
Martin Guptill (Image Credits: Twitter)

Guptill, a veteran of New Zealand’s white-ball cricket for more than a decade, was unable to make the XI in the T20 World Cup in Australia because Kane Williamson and company opted to play the dashing Finn Allen instead. Following that, Guptill was left over for the three T20Is and the same number of ODIs at home against India.

Martin Guptill
Martin Guptill. Credits: BCCI

Guptill has emphasized that he is not retiring from international cricket and that he still wants to be taken into consideration for selection when it comes time to play. He is New Zealand’s top T20 run-scorer and ranks third in the ODI format.

NZC has made it plain to him that, while he would still be eligible for selection, players with central or domestic contracts would still receive preference.

Martin Guptill is the third Black Caps player to ask for a release:

Guptill is the third member of the Black Caps to request a release from their contract in recent months; the other two are all-arounder Colin de Grandhomme and fast bowler, Trent Boult.

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Martin Guptill
Martin Guptill. Credits: Twitter
NZC boss David White said he was comfortable with the existing contract and selection system.
“He’s been a fantastic batsman for us for a long period of time, and we certainly don’t wish to stand in his way as he explores other opportunities,” said NZC chief executive David White.
“We understand Martin’s position, Martin’s been a giant of the white ball game, a committed and well-respected member of the Black Caps, and has earned the right to play out his career on his own terms,” White said.

Guptill said playing for New Zealand remained his ultimate goal, as it had been for his entire cricketing career.

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