Cricket: Former Blackcaps blaster Colin Munro confirms retirement from international cricket

Former Blackcaps batter Colin Munro has announced his retirement from international cricket.

Making his debut in 2012, the heavy-hitting left-hander has played 65 Twenty20s, 57 one-dayers and a single test for New Zealand.

He finishes as New Zealand's sixth highest runscorer in T20I cricket, with 1,724 runs at an average of 31, including three centuries – the most by any NZ player.

Last month, after not having played for New Zealand in four years, Munro declared himself unavailable for the T20 tour to Pakistan to prioritise his family. He was then overlooked for selection to the Blackcaps T20 World Cup squad.

The 37-year-old says the time is now right for him to step away from the international arena for good and focus on T20 franchise cricket.

"Playing for the Blackcaps has always been the biggest achievement in my playing career," he said.

"I never felt prouder than donning that jersey, and the fact that I've been able to do that 123 times across all formats is something I will always be incredibly proud of.

"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.

"With the announcement of the Blackcaps squad for the T20 World Cup now is the perfect time to close that chapter officially."

NZC chief executive Scott Weenink says Munro will go down as one of New Zealand’s best multi-format batsman.

"Colin was one of our first players to embrace the aggressive, 360-degree style batting that is now accepted all around the world as best practice," said Weenink.  

"He was one of the pioneers of the new game, an innovative batsman who took calculated risk-taking to a new level, and led what was to become a revolution in the way short-form cricket was played.  

"We thank him for his amazing contribution in more than hundred international games, and wish him well in his future pursuits."

Former Blackcaps batter Colin Munro has announced his retirement from international cricket.

Making his debut in 2012, the heavy-hitting left-hander has played 65 Twenty20s, 57 one-dayers and a single test for New Zealand.

He finishes as New Zealand's sixth highest runscorer in T20I cricket, with 1,724 runs at an average of 31, including three centuries – the most by any NZ player.

Last month, after not having played for New Zealand in four years, Munro declared himself unavailable for the T20 tour to Pakistan to prioritise his family. He was then overlooked for selection to the Blackcaps T20 World Cup squad.

The 37-year-old says the time is now right for him to step away from the international arena for good and focus on T20 franchise cricket.

"Playing for the Blackcaps has always been the biggest achievement in my playing career," he said.

"I never felt prouder than donning that jersey, and the fact that I've been able to do that 123 times across all formats is something I will always be incredibly proud of.

"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.

"With the announcement of the Blackcaps squad for the T20 World Cup now is the perfect time to close that chapter officially."

NZC chief executive Scott Weenink says Munro will go down as one of New Zealand’s best multi-format batsman.

"Colin was one of our first players to embrace the aggressive, 360-degree style batting that is now accepted all around the world as best practice," said Weenink.  

"He was one of the pioneers of the new game, an innovative batsman who took calculated risk-taking to a new level, and led what was to become a revolution in the way short-form cricket was played.  

"We thank him for his amazing contribution in more than hundred international games, and wish him well in his future pursuits."

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