New Zealand all-rounder Colin De Grandhomme announces retirement from International cricket

Colin De Grandhomme announces retirement from international cricket (Image Source: Twitter)

New Zealand's all-rounder, Colin De Grandhomme has announced his retirement from International cricket. The all-rounder stated that it was getting difficult to practice with his ageing body along with injuries. De Grandhomme was one of the better all-rounders to have represented the New Zealand Cricket Team.

The New Zealand Cricket Board revealed the news in a statement and said that the all-rounder discussed the same with the board before coming to a conclusion. Pertaining to his decision, the board has now decided to release him from central contracts.

"I accept that I am not getting any younger and that the training is getting harder, particularly with the injuries,” De Grandhomme was quoted as saying in the statement.

The 36-year-old further expressed his gratitude to his national team and the board for backing him up since making his debut in 2012. He highlighted the importance of taking care of his family and also expressed his gratitude for representing the nation at the biggest stage.

"I also have a growing family and am trying to understand what my future looks like post-cricket. All of this has been on my mind over the past few weeks. I’ve been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to play for the BLACKCAPS since debuting in 2012 and I’m proud of my international career - but I feel this is the right time to finish," he added further.

De Grandhomme represented the Blackcaps in 29 Test matches, 45 ODIs and 41 T20Is.

Colin’s been a hugely influential part of the BLACKCAPS: Gary Stead

The Blackcaps coach said that he'll miss the veteran and wished the best for him in the next innings of his life.

"Colin’s a great team-man and we will certainly miss his character around the dressing room. While it’s sad to see him go - we appreciate he’s at a stage in his career where he’s looking to head in a different direction and we respect that. We wish him all the best with his future and hope to see him featuring on the New Zealand domestic scene when available," the coach Gary Stead was quoted as saying in the statement.