The Super Smash T20 match between the Auckland Aces and Wellington Firebirds on January 4 will honor New Zealand batter Martin Guptill remarkable career. Designated as ‘Thank You Gup’ day, it will honor the 37-year-old’s achievements for 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. Additionally, Guptill’s achievements will be honored at the grassroots level, as the top T20 league will now be known as the Martin Guptill Cup beginning in the 2024–2025 season.
Guptill has stated unequivocally that he will still play cricket for his franchise and that this memorable day will not mark his retirement. It is noteworthy that since October 2022, Guptill has not appeared for the national squad.
Martin is without a doubt among the best in our nation’s history. Iain Laxon
In addition, with the festivities rapidly approaching, Iain Laxon, CEO of Auckland Cricket, spoke out to commend Guptill for his accomplishments in New Zealand cricket and expressed his belief that he is among the best white-ball players the nation has ever produced.
“Martin is without a doubt one of our country’s best ever white-ball cricketers, and we wanted to take the opportunity to commemorate and appreciate what he has done for cricket,” ESPNcricinfo cited Iain Laxon as saying.”
“At times, his career seems like a never-ending highlights reel; there are so many instances in which he has made very important contributions for Auckland on the home front or for New Zealand abroad. We want everyone to join us in thanking him for all those memorable experiences, as his efforts help us all make memories,” he continued.
Guptill is regarded as an Auckland cricket legend. The 37-year-old, who made his T20 debut for the team in 2006, is still their all-time leading run scorer in the format, with 2313 runs at an average of 37.91 and a strike rate of 133.23.
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