Martin Guptill has officially confirmed his retirement from international cricket, though he will continue to play in global T20 leagues. Guptill, 38, last played for New Zealand in October 2022 and is currently participating in the Super Smash, New Zealand’s domestic T20 competition. He has also joined the PSL draft, with Islamabad United having the option to retain him.
Guptill leaves behind an impressive record, having scored 7,346 runs in 198 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), making him one of New Zealand’s top run-scorers. He is also the highest run-scorer in T20 Internationals for New Zealand, with 3,531 runs in 122 matches.
In his farewell statement, Guptill expressed gratitude for the support from teammates, coaches, and his family. He also thanked the fans who supported him throughout his career. He reflected on his early dream of playing for New Zealand, stating, “I feel incredibly lucky and proud to have played 367 games for my country.”
Guptill’s ODI debut in 2009 saw an immediate impact, and he went on to have memorable moments, including an unbeaten 237 runs against West Indies in the 2015 World Cup. He also played pivotal roles in New Zealand’s World Cup campaigns in 2015 and 2019.
Despite facing challenges, such as New Zealand’s loss to England in the 2019 World Cup final, Guptill’s contributions on the field, including a remarkable run-out of MS Dhoni during the 2019 semi-final, remained iconic.
Though Guptill has stepped away from international cricket, his legacy will be celebrated, particularly during New Zealand’s third ODI against Sri Lanka on January 11. Guptill’s career continues to inspire, and his impact on New Zealand cricket is undeniable.
