New Zealand’s white-ball cricket star legend Martin Guptill announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday. Reflecting on his illustrious 14-year career, the 38-year-old expressed heartfelt gratitude and pride.
“As a young kid, it was always my dream to play for New Zealand, and I feel incredibly lucky and proud to have played 367 games for my country,” Guptill said.
“I will forever cherish the memories made wearing the silver fern alongside a great group of guys. To my wife Laura and our beautiful children Harley and Teddy – thank you for your sacrifices and unwavering support. To the fans in New Zealand and around the world, I’m eternally grateful.”
Martin Guptill’s illsustrous career
Guptill debuted in 2009 with a spectacular century in his first ODI match against the West Indies, becoming the first New Zealander to achieve this feat. Over his career, he represented New Zealand in 367 games (198 ODIs, 122 T20Is, 47 Tests), scoring 23 centuries across all formats and setting numerous white-ball batting records.
He remains New Zealand’s leading T20I run-scorer with 3,531 runs and ranks third on the country’s all-time ODI run list with 7,346 runs, behind Ross Taylor and Stephen Fleming.
Currently captaining the Auckland Aces, Guptill plans to continue playing in T20 franchise cricket. Reflecting on his journey, he thanked his teammates, coaches, especially Mark O’Donnell, his long-time coach since the Under-19 level, and his manager Leanne McGoldrick for their unwavering support.
Guptill’s contributions to New Zealand cricket have left an indelible mark, and his legacy as one of the nation’s finest white-ball players will endure.
