New Zealand’s veteran cricketer, Martin Guptill, is set to be honored for his illustrious career during the men’s game played between Auckland Aces’ and Wellington Firebirds at the Eden Park Outer Oval on January 4. The event, titled ‘Thank You Gup’ day, will pay tribute to the 37-year-old’s significant contributions to both New Zealand and Auckland cricket. In a special gesture, the Eden Park Outer Oval will be temporarily renamed ‘The Martin Guptill Oval’ for this testimonial game.
Beyond the on-field celebration, Guptill’s impact will extend to grassroots cricket. The Men’s Premier Club T20 competition in Auckland is slated to bear the name ‘Martin Guptill Cup’ starting from the 2024-25 season.
While Guptill has clarified that this celebration does not mark his retirement, he expresses his intention to continue participating in franchise T20 and T10 leagues worldwide. Despite not featuring for New Zealand since October 2022, he became a free agent in November 2022 after being released from his Black Caps central contract.
Auckland Cricket CEO Iain Laxon acknowledged Guptill’s stellar career, stating, “Martin is without doubt one of our country’s finest ever white-ball cricketers, and we wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate and recognize what he has done for cricket.”
‘Thank you Gup’: Martin will get his illustrated international career celebrated on January 4
Guptill, who made his T20 debut for Auckland in January 2006, continues to be the highest run-scorer for the team in the format. With 2313 runs at an average of 37.91 and a strike rate of 133.23, he remains a key figure in Auckland’s T20 history. Moreover, he holds the distinction of being New Zealand’s leading run-scorer in T20 Internationals, accumulating 3531 runs at an average of 31.81 and a strike rate of 135.70—only surpassed by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the history of T20I cricket.
Reflecting on his journey with Auckland, Guptill shared fond memories at the Super Smash launch party, highlighting the familial atmosphere within Auckland Cricket. His recent Super Smash season began with a notable 29-ball 47 against Canterbury on December 19. Now he is set to join Sharjah Warriors for the upcoming ILT20 in the UAE after the Super Smash.
While Guptill did not make the IPL auction shortlist, his recent T20 form remains promising. Finishing as the highest run-scorer for Trinbago Knight Riders in CPL 2023, he accumulated 262 runs in ten innings at an average of 32.75 and a strike rate of 115.41.
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