'Unfair to say he's chasing money. There's a bigger message': Ex-New Zealand all-rounder makes big remark on Trent Boult

The star pacer was released from his New Zealand contract earlier this month.

Earlier this month, The New Zealand Cricket had released Trent Boult from his contract for the pacer to spend more time with his family. The 33-year-old left-arm fast bowler had recently been in discussions with national cricket officials about the increasing burden of touring overseas with a young family at home. Boult will still be eligible to be selected for New Zealand, though it is likely priority would be given to contracted players.

Trent Boult (AP)

Former Kiwi all-rounder Scott Styris has now spoken in detail about the development, stating that it was a “surprising” move. However, he also defended Boult, insisting that the tight schedule has forced players' hands.

“Firstly, it has taken New Zealand by complete surprise, certainly the cricket viewing public. Nobody really thought that Trent Boult is going to finish up this quickly and this soon,” Styris said on Sports18 show 'Sports Over the Top'.

“It is also a little unfair to say he is chasing money as such. It's time now that he prioritises the format that he enjoys, a little bit like Ben Stokes. But it is also a bigger message that the schedule is broken.”

Further talking about Boult, Styris said that New Zealand players don't get similar money as their Indian, Australian and England counterparts.

"I don't think cricket can afford to lose the likes of Stokes and Trent Boult, two of the best cricketers in the world right now, away from the international game

“I think, it depends where you come from. New Zealand players don't get the same levels of money that some of the big Australia, England and Indian players get. This is the players' job; people have to remember that,” said the former New Zealand star.