Martin Guptill has been released from his New Zealand Cricket contract, as the latest Blackcap to seek playing opportunities elsewhere.
Guptill, 36, was left out of the Blackcaps' plans for the Twenty20 World Cup, as New Zealand selectors backed younger players.
Although Guptill states he'll still play for the Blackcaps when available, priority selection will be given to contracted players, New Zealand Cricket asserts.
Guptill becomes the latest Blackcap to opt out of a central contract, as the lure of lucrative overseas leagues stands tall over the game.
In August, Trent Boult opted out of his contract to seek overseas opportunities, while Colin de Grandhomme retired from internationals later that month to play for Adelaide Strikers in Australia's Big Bash League.
Jimmy Neesham was initially left off New Zealand's contract list, and turned down a later offer after he too found overseas deals.
NZ Cricket chief executive David White, though, says the moves are a natural progression for this generation of Blackcaps.
"Players such as Martin, Trent and Colin, with long and successful international track-records, inevitably end up with alternative playing options at this stage of their careers, and we respect that," he said.
"It's just part of the natural ebb and flow of individual careers within team sport."
NZC high performance general manager Bryan Stronach echoed White's comments, and sympathises with Guptill's situation.
"With these opportunities out there, we didn't want to restrict him from doing that," he said. "We understand his circumstances and didn't want to stand in the way.
"I can understand his decision, put it that way. Whether it's the right one will be proven in times to come, but I can definitely understand his decision."
Since his debut in 2009, Guptill has cemented himself as one of the Blackcaps greatest ODI batters.
In 198 ODIs, Guptill scored 7346 runs at an average of just under 42, with 18 centuries and a high score of 237 not out - a New Zealand record.
In 122 T20 Internationals, Guptill scored 3531 runs - at one point holding the record for the most international runs, including two centuries and a high score of 105.
But at 36, the opener says his release will also free him to spend more time with family, as his playing career winds down.
"Playing for my country has been a massive honour, and I'm grateful to everyone within the Blackcaps and NZC for their support," he said.
"But, equally, I'm realistic enough to understand the need to consider my options in the current circumstances.
"With this release, I'm 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."
