Work-life balance? Greed? Twitter debates Trent Boult's release from New Zealand contract

Trent Boult - the leading ODI bowler in the world right now - has been released from his central contract with New Zealand on his own request. The reason he has given: he wants to spend more time at home with his family and less time touring with the national cricket team.

This decision would have an impact on the left arm quick's international career. He is still eligible to play for New Zealand, though contracted players will be given priority in selection.

This means the famed New Zealand pace duo of Trent Boult and Tim Southee, which caused worries for many batting lineups with their swing and accuracy, won't be seen in action often.


Boult has taken 317 test wickets, 169 wickets in ODIs and a further 62 in T20s. He is at present the top ranked bowler by ICC in ODIs - well ahead of India's Jasprit Bumrah and Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi.

The 33-year-old cricketer and his wife Gert Smith have three boys, and Boult said he now wanted to prioritise his young family over other things. "Ultimately this decision is about my wife Gert and our three young boys," he said.

There were mixed reactions on Twitter with many disappointed they they won't be able to see the talented pacer in action often in international cricket. Some saw it as work-life balance, others saw it as greed and opportunism - there are more lucrative cricket franchises blooming across the world.

"With regard to the Boult decision, and others in recent times, I hear people talking of greed and opportunism. But do remember cricketers finish their playing careers when most others are entering their best phase. And we change jobs that offer more money and convenience, no?" cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle tweeted.

Boult plays for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. Some saw his decision as a sign that cricket will follow the football way when it comes to franchises.