Star New Zealand batsman Colin Munro has announced his retirement from international cricket, effective from May 10 (Friday). Munro, who made his debut in the shortest format in December 2012 followed by his ODI debut the next month, has decided to hang up his boots. The 37-year-old left-handed batter, known for his explosive batting, has scored three centuries in T20Is and was a key member of the New Zealand squads in the T20 World Cups of 2014 and 2016. He was also part of the Black Caps side that reached the final of the ODI World Cup in 2019.
Munro’s Test career was limited to just one match as his prowess mainly resided in T20I cricket. With 1724 runs in 65 T20Is, Munro stands as the sixth-highest run-scorer for New Zealand in this format. Maintaining an impressive strike rate of 156.4, Munro holds the record for the most centuries by a New Zealand batter in T20Is, with three to his name.
Playing For New Zeanland My Biggest Achievement: Colin Munro
Colin Munro took to his official social media handle of Instagram and expressed that representing the BlackCaps has been the pinnacle of his career. With 123 appearances across all formats, he takes pride in wearing the national jersey.
“Playing for the BlackCaps has always been the biggest achievement in my playing career. I never felt prouder than donning that jersey, and the fact I have been able to do that 123 times across all formats is something I will always be incredibly proud of. I am today announcing my retirement from International cricket,“ former New Zealand opener said.
Munro Will Continue Playing Franchise Cricket
Colin Munro also noted that he maintained hope of a comeback fueled by his strong performances in franchise T20 cricket. Munro sees the announcement of the New Zealand squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 as the right opportunity to officially call it quits on his international career. He also notd that he will continue playing the franchise cricket.
“Although it has been a while since my last appearance, I never gave up hope that I might be able to return off the back of my franchise T20 form. I completely understand the reasons why that never happened, but with the announcement of the BlackCaps squad for the World T20 now is the perfect time to close that chapter officially. I can’t wait to watch the boys do their thing in the Caribbean. I look forward to continuing to ply my trade across the world in the franchise arena,” he added.