Having been excluded from New Zealand’s central contract, Trent Boult expresses his desire to represent his country in the World Cup

New Zealand pacer Trent Boult has expressed his desire to play in the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup in India, despite not being in the central contract of the Kiwis. Boult had requested to be released from the contract in order to play franchise leagues and spend more time with his family. The left-arm fast bowler has not played for New Zealand since their exit from the T20 World Cup semi-final against Pakistan in November 2022. 

Boult’s desire to play the World Cup

In August last year, Boult made the decision to give up his New Zealand central contract to have more time with his family and to continue playing franchise cricket around the world. Despite not playing for his country since November 2022, Boult still has the desire to represent New Zealand in the 2023 ODI World Cup, which is set to be held in India in October-November.

In a recent interview with ESPNCricinfo, Boult said, “I’ve still got that big desire to play for New Zealand. It is what it is – I’ve decided. I am fortunate enough to have a 13-year career in the Black Cap and hey, I’ve still got a big desire to play the ODI World Cup as well. We’ll see how that unfolds: there’s still a bit of movement in the landscape at the moment.” 

Boult also shared a conversation he had with former Kiwi captain Kane Williamson after the World Cup final. “I remember after the 2019 World Cup final, I said to Kane Williamson that we’ve got to be there again, come in the 2023 tournament in India. It’s a shame with what’s going on with Kane’s knee, but he’ll be working as hard as possible to try and play that. It’s such a great tournament. One hundred percent, I’ve got the desire to play it,” Boult said. 

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