It’s official: BLACKCAPS captain Brendon McCullum will retire from all international cricket at the end of this summer.
McCullum revealed his plans at a press conference in Christchurch today and will play his last game for the BLACKCAPS in the ANZ Test against Australia at Hagley Oval, starting 20 February 2016.
McCullum had been anxious to wait until after his final game to make the announcement, but the impending naming of the BLACKCAPS' squad for the ICC World T20 in India, in which he will not be included, has forced his hand.
“Ideally, I would have preferred to wait until after the ANZ Test in Christchurch to make this news public,” he said today.
“However, the schedule for naming the ICC World T20 squads means I could not have managed this without causing a lot of confusion and speculation – something I was keen to avoid.
“I’ve loved my opportunity to play for, and captain the BLACKCAPS, but all good things have to come to an end, and I’m just grateful for the wonderful experience of playing for my country.”
McCullum was this week announced as the 2015 recipient of the ICC's Spirit of Cricket Award
Having said that, McCullum added that this wasn’t the time to reflect on his career, pointing out the BLACKCAPS faced an exciting and challenging schedule over the next seven weeks — with the ANZ white ball series against Sri Lanka, followed by ANZ Series against Pakistan and Australia, looming.
“There’s a time and place for reflection, and that’s at the end of your career,” he said.
“For now, I’ll be giving all my attention to helping the team focus on what’s coming up over the next few weeks – and making sure we’re in the best possible shape for what’s going to be a very challenging summer.”
Kane Williamson will captain the BLACKCAPS at the ICC World T20.
NZC chief executive David White emphasised the decision to announce McCullum’s plans today was borne of circumstance, and a desire to be open and transparent with the media and public.
“Given the questions likely to be raised when the ICC World T20 squad is announced, it was thought better to be upfront and explain the situation now,” he said.
Mr White said clarifying the issue would help McCullum and the BLACKCAPS concentrate on a busy international summer ahead, starting with the ANZ One-Day International against Sri Lanka in Christchurch on Boxing Day.
“We’ll celebrate Brendon’s wonderful contribution to New Zealand and world cricket at the end of the season. For now, we want to help him prepare for the upcoming seven weeks with the minimum of distractions.”
Don't miss your chance to farewell Brendon this summer. Tickets for the ANZ International Series are now available. Save up to 33% with MyBLACKCAPS. Not already a member? Join today for free.
