Katey Martin, the wicketkeeper for New Zealand, has decided to retire after a 21-year career. Martin debuted her public appearance against India in 2003 and went on to play 103 one-day internationals and 95 T20Is before retiring during the recent home ODI World Cup. Her 169 domestic one-day games are a New Zealand record for both men’s and women‘s cricket.
After announcing her retirement, she said that Cricket has literally given her life. She said that it’s been a dream come true for her, from moving to Dunedin as a teenager to entering the New Zealand Cricket Academy in Christchurch, to traveling around the world as a White Fern and serving my nation.
Furthermore, she added: “It’s been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Martin added. “I want to thank all of my teammates, coaches, opponents, fans, and friends I’ve met along the way for making my time in cricket so unforgettable.”
Martin was clearly emotional during New Zealand’s final World Cup play against Pakistan in March, and she said that she had almost decided to retire. She was extremely emotional going into the match because she knew it could be her last time playing for New Zealand. She talked to family and friends after the competition to confirm her choice before making an announcement today.
Martin has already earned a reputation in the commentary box, and she plans to continue doing so in retirement, as well as guiding the next generation. She is enthusiastic about leaving the game in a better place. She said that she would be very interested in helping coach and nurture the next generation of keepers. It’s a place where she feels like she can give back to a sport that has given her so much.