Blackcaps all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme has retired from international cricket, after more than 100 games for New Zealand - freeing him to take up a contract in Australia's Big Bash League (BBL).
De Grandhomme has confirmed he has played his final international for the Blackcaps, finishing with 29 tests, 45 one-day internationals and 41 Twenty20 Internationals to his name.
"I accept I'm not getting any younger and that the training is getting harder, particularly with the injuries," said de Grandhomme.
"I also have a growing family and am trying to understand what my future looks like post-cricket. All of this has been on my mind over the past few weeks.
"I've loved being part of this team over the past decade and am grateful for the experiences we've shared together.
"I've made many lasting friendships with teammates, coaching staff and opponents, and will treasure the memories for the rest of my life."
The 36-year-old was part of the New Zealand side that claimed the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021, as well as the Blackcaps side defeated in the 2019 World Cup one-day final.
A heel injury earlier this year means de Grandhomme's final appearance for the Blackcaps came in the five-wicket test loss to England at Lord's.
In tests, de Grandhomme finishes with 1432 runs at an average of 38.70 and 49 wickets at 32.95.
In ODIs, de Grandhomme scored 742 runs and took 30 wickets, along with 505 runs and 12 wickets in T20s.
Significantly, de Grandhomme's international retirement frees him up to ply his trade as a freelance T20 specialist.
De Grandhomme was picked 13th in the BBL's inaugural draft by Adelaide Strikers, despite the tournament clashing with New Zealand's tour of Pakistan.
As a contracted player, de Grandhomme would need clearance from NZ Cricket to play in an overseas tournament, but is now free to do so regardless - like former Blackcaps teammate Colin Munro.
De Grandhomme's retirement follows Trent Boult's release from his NZ Cricket contract, stating the desire to spend more time with family, while enabling him to juggle international and professional commitments as he wishes.
