NZ Cricket has agreed to grant star Blackcaps bowler Trent Boult an early release from his contract to allow him to spend more time with his family.
The move means Boult - who has taken 317 test wickets, 169 at one-day international level, and 62 in Twenty20 international cricket - will have a significantly reduced role with the Blackcaps during his final years in the game, while still being eligible for selection if and when available.
The 33-year-old also intends to play more domestic cricket for his Northern Districts side.
"This has been a really tough decision for me and I'd like to thank NZC for their support in getting to this point," said Boult.
"Playing cricket for my country was a childhood dream and I’m so proud of everything I’ve been able to achieve with the Blackcaps over the past 12 years.
"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."
Boult said he understood the move would diminish his chances of playing for the Blackcaps.
"I still have a big desire to represent my country and feel I have the skills to deliver at international level," he added.
"However, I respect the fact that not having a national contract will affect my chances of selection.
"Having said that, as a fast bowler I know I have a limited career span, and I feel the time is right to move into this next phase."
The criteria for Boult's availability for future Blackcaps matches remains unclear. NZC chief executive David White said it would be on a "case by case" basis, but added he thought Boult's participation could be limited to "global world events", referring to World Cups.
White pointed to the demands of managed isolation over the past two years as one of the main drivers behind Boult's decision.
He also suggested Boult's focus would now be on global T20 leagues, confirming an announcement on his next destination is "imminent".
White said they understood and respected Boult's decision to prioritise his family at this stage of his career, but reiterated the impact it would have on his chances for future selection.
"He's been completely honest and up-front with us about his reasoning and, while we’re sad to be losing him as a fully-contracted player, he leaves with our best wishes and our sincere thanks," said White.
"Trent’s made a massive contribution to the Blackcaps since his test debut in late 2011 and is now considered one of the best multi-format cricketers in the world. We're very proud of what he's achieved.
"We've had several conversations and I know Trent understands that, in terms of selection, NZC will continue to make a priority of those players with either central or domestic contracts."
Boult is currently with the Blackcaps in the Caribbean, where they will play the first of three T20 matches on Thursday morning (NZ time).
Join us at 6:30am, Thursday for live updates of the first T20 international between the Blackcaps and West Indies
