Colin Munro formally calls time from international cricket

Colin Munro has announced his retirement from international cricket after being overlooked in New Zealand’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad. 

Munro had made available for the forthcoming T20 World Cup in spite of not playing an international game for the Black Caps since 2020 and was in consideration. NZ coach Gary Stead confirmed that Munro’s name was brought into the conversation during the time of WC squad selection but said there was no room for the attacking southpaw. 

Despite moving to play franchise cricket full time over the last four years, the veteran opener had not given up on adding to his 123 caps for the Kiwis. But at 37, he has formally retired from international cricket and will continue playing franchise cricket. 

“Playing for the Black Caps has always been the biggest achievement in my playing career," Munro 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 Black Caps squad for the T20 World Cup now is the perfect time to close that chapter officially."

Munro played a test, 57 ODis and 65 T20Is for New Zealand. He aced in the shortest format, registering three tons, including a 47 ball century against the West Indies in 2018 which was a NZ record at the time. He also scored a whirlwind 14 ball half century against Sri Lanka which is still etched in Black Caps history books and is the fourth fastest in T20I cricket. 

NZ Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink stated Munro would be remembered for pioneering short batter for NZ.  

“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," Weenink said.

"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."