The debate of prioritising franchise cricket over international cricket simply refuses to die down. Following Ben Stokes retirement because of a gruelling limited-overs schedule of English cricket, experts and fans from all around the globe weighed in the debate just to see the most ideal possibilities for cricket’s way forward. 

Experts like Ravi Shastri and current cricketers like Usman Khwaja agreed with the expansion in franchise cricket, though ex-cricketers like Madan Lal and Nasser Hussain have encouraged the ICC to look towards the window that is being granted to franchise cricket which in many ways influences the international cricketing schedule.

THE DISCUSSION:

Igniting the gunpowder further, New Zealand pacer Trent Boult has now asked the New Zealand Cricket Board to release him from his central contract which will permit him to spend more time with his family and give him the leverage to play T20I leagues. 

NEWS | NZC has agreed to release Trent Boult from his central contract so that he can spend more time with his family, while also making himself available for domestic leagues. Boult will complete the tour of the West Indies as scheduled.

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The solicitation that Boult makes is pretty obvious that his time in international cricket will now be restricted. The board has granted the speedster’s request and has clarified that the players who are midway contracted will be given the first preference to represent the country on the international stage. Prior to arriving at this decision, 33-year-old Boult went through thorough rounds of discussions just to have clarity on his responsibility and his future with the national side. Boult’s decision would have a huge impact on New Zealand cricket as T20 leagues are slowly increasing and will agree with their summer domestic season.

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These changes come after a couple of reports surfaced that Boult will be effectively participating in the UAE league. Rumours have it that Boult is in talks with both the UAE and South Africa T20 league franchises. Weighing the matter New Zealand Cricket CEO David White said that Boult was in their scheme of things for the T20I World Cup which is set to be played in Australia later this year, however at this point things are essentially uncertain as far as Boult’s future with the New Zealand cricket team is concerned.