Martin Guptill announces retirement from international cricket

Veteran New Zealand cricketer Martin Guptill on Thursday announced his retirement from international cricket, marking the end of a distinguished career spanning over a decade. 

The 38-year-old last represented New Zealand in October 2022 but will continue showcasing his talent in T20 leagues worldwide.

In an emotional statement issued by New Zealand Cricket (NZC), Guptill expressed gratitude for his journey:

"As a young kid, it was always my dream to play for New Zealand, and I feel incredibly lucky and proud to have played 367 games for my country," Guptill said. "I will forever cherish the memories made wearing the silver fern alongside a great group of guys.

"I want to say a huge thanks to all my teammates and coaching staff over the years, in particular Mark O'Donnell, who has coached me since the Under-19 level and been a source of ongoing support and wisdom throughout my career."

He also thanked his family, teammates, coaches and fans for their unwavering support, giving special mention to his wife, Laura and their children, Harley and Teddy.

"To my wife Laura and our beautiful children, Harley and Teddy—thank you. Thank you, Laura, for the sacrifices you have made for me and our family. You've been my biggest supporter, my rock, and my counsel through all the ups and downs that come with the game. I am eternally grateful.

"Finally, I'd like to thank all the cricket fans, here in New Zealand and around the world, for all their support throughout the years."

Currently playing for Auckland in the Super Smash, Guptill has also signed up for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) draft, with Islamabad United holding the option to retain him.

Guptill retires as one of New Zealand's greatest white-ball cricketers. In 198 ODIs, he amassed 7,346 runs, ranking third on New Zealand's all-time ODI runs list behind Ross Taylor (8,607) and Stephen Fleming (8,007).

His T20I record is equally impressive, as he remains New Zealand's highest scorer in the format with 3,531 runs in 122 matches at an average of 31.81 and a strike rate of 135.70.

While his Test career (47 matches, 2,586 runs at 29.38) was comparatively modest, Guptill's contributions in ODIs and T20Is have cemented his status as a modern great.

The opening batter burst onto the international scene with an unbeaten 122 on his ODI debut against the West Indies in 2009. 

His crowning achievement came during the 2015 ODI World Cup quarter-final, where he smashed a record-breaking 237* off 163 balls—the second-highest individual score in ODI history. 

His explosive batting helped New Zealand reach their first-ever World Cup final.

In the 2019 ODI World Cup, Guptill’s direct hit to dismiss MS Dhoni in the semi-final against India remains an iconic moment in cricket history. 

Despite a quiet tournament with the bat, his fielding brilliance played a pivotal role in taking New Zealand to the final.

Since relinquishing his New Zealand central contract in November 2022, Guptill has embraced freelance cricket, participating in leagues like the Big Bash League, PSL, Caribbean Premier League, UAE’s ILT20 and the Nepal Premier League.