Is Trent Boult retiring? New Zealand and RR speedster confirms he will play his final T20 World Cup game against PNG

New Zealand veteran Trent Boult made a surprising revelation following their nine-wicket win over Uganda on Saturday. It was essentially a dead rubber game as the Black Caps were already eliminated following the loss to the West Indies a few days ago and a loss to Afghanistan prior to that.  

The 34-year-old pacer revealed that he will be playing his last T20 World Cup game against Papua New Guinea on Monday, June 17 before saying goodbye to the prestigious competition. The Black Caps came close to glory in the 2021 edition of the tournament, wherein they lost to the Australian team in the final.  

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Boult first represented New Zealand in the T20 World Cup in 2014 and has been a part of four editions of the tournament since then. Boult has also represented New Zealand in ODI and Test format, spearheading their bowling attack in all three formats of the game. 

It was in the post match interview where Boult revealed his decision of putting an end to his T20 World Cup journey against Papua New Guinea on Monday, which indirectly also insinuates that he won’t be a part of the ODI World Cup either, since it will be held a year after the 2026 T20 World Cup. 

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What did Trent Boult say?

Picking up two wickets for just 7 runs in 4 overs, Boult showcased his class on the international stage once again. Despite New Zealand’s early exit this year, Boult and the Black Caps have been consistently impressive in ICC tournaments, reaching the semi-finals on all other occasions since 2015. 

Speaking on behalf of myself, this will be my last T20 World Cup. That's all I'm going to say - he said. 

Talking about their group stage exit this year, Boult said that it was disappointing but he still believes that New Zealand is one of the best T20I sides in the world. “It is a disappointing position to be in, but any time you get to represent the country, it's a proud moment and I thought the boys put on a great performance this afternoon," he said. 

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When it comes to T20 World Cups, Boult has one of the best records with the ball in his hand, especially his extraordinary economy in the ever-evolving game.