Image Credit- Getty Images
On January 4 at Eden Park Outer Oval, the men’s Super
Smash T20 match between the Auckland Aces and Wellington Firebirds will honour
Martin Guptill’s remarkable career.
On ‘Thank You, Gup’ day, the 37-year-old will be
recognised for his contributions to Auckland cricket and New Zealand. ‘The
Martin Guptill Oval’ will be the name of the Eden Park Outer Oval for the
testimonial game as part of the festivities.
The contributions made by Guptill will also be
acknowledged locally. Beginning with the 2024–2025 season, Auckland’s Men’s
Premier Club T20 competition will be known as the Martin Guptill Cup.
Guptill has emphasised that this is not his farewell
party and that he would still compete in T20 and T10 franchise leagues across
the globe. But since October 2022, Guptill has not played for New Zealand. His
Black Caps central contract was released in November 2022, making him a free
agent.
“Martin is without doubt one of our country’s
finest ever white-ball cricketers and we wanted to take the opportunity to
celebrate and recognise what he has done for cricket,” Auckland Cricket
CEO Iain Laxon said in a statement.
“His career is one that feels at times like an
ongoing highlights reel, there are so many moments where he has made hugely
significant contributions at a domestic level for Auckland or on the
international stage for New Zealand. Those efforts create memories for all of
us and we want everyone to come along and join us in saying thanks to him for
all those special moments.”
Guptill had recalled his memories with Auckland at the
Super Smash launch party earlier this week.
“It’s pretty special. I’ve been involved in the
Auckland Cricket system for a number of years now, from the age-groups, U14s,
U15s, U17s and U19s, to where I am today. A lot of thanks to Auckland Cricket.
It’s like a family community here and I’ve been lucky enough to be involved
with it for a long time now.
“Winning the Plunket Shield two years ago and
being there playing the game when the Shield was presented was pretty special.
We had a good night after that.”