Why is Trent Boult not playing T20 World Cup 2026? The answer lies in a decision he made after the previous global tournament. Trent Boult retired from international cricket following the 2024 T20 World Cup, which means Trent Boult not playing T20 World Cup 2026 is not a selection call but the result of his retirement.
When New Zealand announced their squad, questions around why Boult was absent surfaced immediately. However, his departure from international cricket had already been confirmed nearly two years earlier. Aside from Boult, Kane Williamson is also not playing T20 World Cup 2026 for New Zealand, despite being an active player.
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Is Trent Boult Retired From International Cricket?
For those asking is Trent Boult retired, the answer is yes. Trent Boult retired from international cricket after the 2024 T20 World Cup. The Trent Boult retirement date effectively followed New Zealand’s group-stage exit, with the left-arm pacer confirming that it was his “last day” in international colours.
Speaking after T20 World Cup 2024, Boult admitted the emotional weight of the moment.
“It feels a little bit weird… I’m very proud of what I’ve done with the Black Caps and sad it’s my last day with New Zealand,” he said.
Trent Boult last T20I came in that match, closing a 13-year international career.
Why Is Trent Boult Not Playing T20 World Cup 2026?
The reason why is Trent Boult not playing T20 World Cup 2026 is straightforward: retirement made him unavailable for selection. The Trent Boult T20 World Cup 2026 omission was not debated internally because he had already stepped away from international cricket.
Questions such as why Boult not in New Zealand T20 World Cup squad overlook the timeline. Boult had moved off the central contract list as early as 2022 to prioritise family time and franchise cricket, gradually reducing his international appearances before formally retiring.
Therefore, Trent Boult not playing T20 World Cup 2026 represents a transition New Zealand had time to prepare for.
Trent Boult T20 World Cup Record and Legacy
Boult leaves behind a strong ICC legacy. Trent Boult T20 World Cup record includes key spells across multiple editions, including the 2021 campaign where New Zealand reached the final.
Across formats, Boult claimed:
- 317 Test wickets
- 211 ODI wickets
- 60+ T20I wickets
His ability to swing the new ball and strike early in powerplays made him one of New Zealand’s most reliable white-ball pacers over the past decade.
Boult’s impact in ICC events extended beyond just New Zealand’s campaigns. His control with the new ball and ability to swing the ball early made him one of the most economical fast bowlers in T20 World Cup history.
Boult Has One Of The Best Economy Rate in T20 World Cup History
Boult’s 5.93 economy rate places him among the most disciplined bowlers in the tournament’s history — especially notable given he operated primarily in the powerplay and against top-order batters.
(Minimum 300 balls bowled)
| Player | Economy Rate |
|---|---|
| Jasprit Bumrah | 5.44 |
| Samuel Badree | 5.52 |
| Anrich Nortje | 5.55 |
| Daniel Vettori | 5.83 |
| Trent Boult | 5.93 |
Boult Is Among Top 10 Wicket-Takers in T20 World Cup History
With 36 wickets, Boult sits firmly among the top wicket-takers in T20 World Cup history — a reflection of both longevity and consistency across multiple editions.
(As of February 2026)
| Player | Wickets |
|---|---|
| Shakib Al Hasan | 50 |
| Shahid Afridi | 39 |
| Lasith Malinga | 38 |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | 37 |
| Rashid Khan | 37 |
| Trent Boult | 36 |
| Adam Zampa | 36 |
| Saeed Ajmal | 36 |
New Zealand Pacers After Boult Retirement
The New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 squad without Boult reflects how the team has rebuilt its pace attack.
In terms of New Zealand pacers after Boult retirement, Jacob Duffy has emerged as a standout performer. Jacob Duffy T20I stats since 2024 show 48 wickets in 29 matches at an average under 17.
Lockie Ferguson continues to offer pace and aggression, with strong T20I stats in limited appearances. Matt Henry has added depth, and his T20I stats underline his role as a secondary strike option.
The New Zealand squad T20 World Cup 2026 after Boult transition has also included Zakary Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson and Neesham as seam options, ensuring balance even without Boult’s left-arm angle.
Trent Boult Franchise Cricket Since End Of T20 World Cup 2024
Although he stepped away from internationals, Trent Boult franchise cricket numbers remain strong. Across IPL 2025, MLC, SA20 and The Hundred, he has continued to take wickets consistently.
Since the end of the last T20 World Cup:
| Competition | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPL | 16 | 22 | 4/26 | 8.96 |
| Major League Cricket | 19 | 24 | 4/17 | 8.44 |
| SA20 | 21 | 19 | 3/28 | 8.32 |
| The Hundred | 8 | 6 | 2/20 | 8.30 |
His continued success in other leagues shows that retirement was not performance-driven but lifestyle-driven.
Why Trent Boult Not Playing T20 World Cup 2026 Was a Planned Exit
Ultimately, why is Trent Boult not playing T20 World Cup 2026 comes down to a decision made in 2024. Trent Boult not playing T20 World Cup 2026 was part of a gradual shift away from international cricket rather than a surprise omission.
New Zealand have reshaped their bowling unit accordingly, leaning on Duffy, Ferguson and Henry while maintaining balance through allrounders.
For schedule, venues and latest updates, see our T20 World Cup 2026 news page.
