Trent Boult has walked away from his Black Caps contract but he hopes his international career isn't over yet.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has agreed to release the left-arm fast bowler from his contract so he can spend more time with his young family.
Boult, fourth all-time on the country's test wicket-takers list, requested the release after several conversations with NZC.
After 12 years - and countless weeks and months on the road - the 33-year-old father to three young boys said it was not a decision he made lightly.
"I have a big desire to still represent my country but I fully respect that giving back my national contract will affect my chances of selection.
"Ultimately this decision has been about my family and putting them first and I feel like this is the right time to do that."
The decision begged an important question for Boult, who would stay with the Black Caps in the West Indies for their white ball matches which started with the opening T20 on Thursday morning (NZ time).
With priority for New Zealand selection being given to players with either central or domestic contracts, were his Black Caps days done beyond the tour to the Caribbean?
New Zealand Cricket boss David White indicated we hadn't quite seen the last of a player who had always been a fan favourite.
"Obviously the World Cup is very close, and I would imagine he'll be selected to play in the T20 World Cup in Australia.
"Planning is so advanced and he's a big part of those plans. Post that we need to work through it on a case-by-case basis."
New Zealand's Trent Boult thanks the fans. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Exactly what that case-by-case basis ended up looking like was not yet clear.
But White admitted outside of big global events, Boult probably wouldn't be seen in a Black Caps jersey too often.
And although Boult wasn't the only established New Zealand player with young children at home, White wasn't expecting others to go down the same path just yet.
"The players tell us, and I know, that test cricket is the ultimate for them ... they see it as the ultimate challenge.
"They're desperate to play as much test cricket for their country as possible.
"We've had no other advances from any other players and I don't think we're going to in the short-term."
White said Boult had made it clear during discussions that his appetite for touring had diminished.
But the decision not only meant more time at home, but more freedom to play in lucrative T20 leagues around the world.
While playing for New Zealand was a childhood dream, Boult said the tough call was ultimately the right one.
"Being a fast bowler, you have a limited career span, and it also comes with a lot of hard work, dedication and sacrifice.
"My young family has made a lot of sacrifices over the years and this is a good chance for me to pay them back...
"There is life after cricket and I'm really looking forward to moving into that part of my career."
Boult had taken 317 test wickets, 169 at ODI level, and 62 in T20I cricket.
- RNZ