Why A Trent Boult-Like Decision Could Soon Become The Norm Rather Than The Exception

Boult’s decision and those of de Kock and Stokes can be termed akin to a bubble waiting to burst. Everyone knew it, but few were willing to talk about it. The debate over the crammed schedule has been going on for a few years...

- Renin Wilben

The last few months have seen three massive developments that have the potential to change the cricketing landscape forever. December 2021: South Africa’s keeper-batter Quinton de Kock announces his retirement from Test cricket at the age of 29. July 2022: England all-rounder Ben Stokes decides to quit one-day cricket at 31. August 2002: New Zealand’s left-arm seamer Trent Boult gives up his central contract at 33. While opting out of the central contract, Boult stated that he wanted to spend more time with family. There have been mixed reactions to the Kiwi pacer’s decision to give up his contract with New Zealand Cricket. One thing cannot be denied, though. The signs of a sea change are well and try evident. Boult’s decision and those of de Kock and Stokes can be termed akin to a bubble waiting to burst. Everyone knew it, but few were willing to talk about it. The debate over the crammed schedule has been going on for a few years.