Credit: Twitter
The New Zealand Cricket CEO, David White has reportedly given confirmation that veteran pacer Trent Boult will be a part of the Kiwi squad for the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023. The 33-year-old Boult, who opted out of a contract on family lines earlier, recently expressed his ‘big desire’ to play in the ODI World Cup happening in India later this year.
The New Zealand Cricket released Trent Boult from the central contract list last year as the Rajasthan Royals pacer wanted to spend more time with his family. However, Boult previously expressed his desire to play in the World Cup and said, "I’ve made my decision. I’ve been lucky enough to have a 13-year career in the Black Cap and hey, I’ve still got a big desire to play in the World Cup as well. We’ll see how that unfolds."
As per reports from a New Zealand-based media outlet, David White said that he will be surprised if Boult doesn’t play in the World Cup. He also said that they will give first priority to the centrally contracted players, and they are having positive conversations with Boult in the past months.
Speaking to the media portal, he said, "It’s very important for the integrity of our contracting model that we give priority to our centrally contracted players. In saying that, we’ve had a lot of conversations with Trent over the last few weeks and months." He further added, "I’d be very surprised if he wasn’t representing New Zealand in the World Cup and we’re having very positive conversations with him."
David to step down from the role of New Zealand CEO
Long-serving New Zealand Chief Executive David White has announced that he will step down from the role this August. He was appointed the CEO in February 2012 and notified the New Zealand Cricket Board about his decision this week. White said that it is the right time to pass on the baton to fresh hands.
He said, "I feel the time is right for myself, my family, and NZC. NZC is in a secure financial position with a solid balance sheet and long-term commercial agreements in place. The BLACKCAPS are strong; women’s cricket is healthy, our high producing excellence and the community game is stable."