Katey Martin calls time on her cricketing journey

New Zealand's veteran wicket-keeper batter Katey Martin has called time on her international and domestic career. Her announcement brought an end to her international career that spanned for almost 19 years. Martin also featured in 169 domestic one-day games (a record for both men and women). In the domestic circuit, she played for Otago Sparks.



The 37-year-old veteran made her international debut against India in a Test match at Vapi, Gujarat in November 2003. It turned out to be her solitary Test. She made 199 international appearances in her career, including 103 ODIs and 95 T20Is.

“It’s been an incredible experience,” said Martin. “To all my team-mates, coaches, opposition, fans and friends I’ve met along the way, I want to thank you for making my time in cricket so memorable.

“I also want to thank New Zealand Cricket, the New Zealand Cricket Players Association and Otago Cricket for their support over my entire career."

“Cricket really has given me my life - from leaving Dunedin as a youngster to attend the NZC Academy in Christchurch, to traveling the world as a WHITE FERN and representing my country - it’s been a dream come true.”

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She also lauded her parents (Steve and Wendy Martin) for their incredible support throughout her cricketing journey.

“I’ve been fortunate to have a very supportive family throughout my time. Dad travelled to India for my debut in 2003 and has made his presence known around the boundary ropes ever since.

“Both Mum and Dad took a campervan around the North Island for the recent Women’s World Cup - to say I’ve been lucky to have them on this journey with me is an understatement.”

Martin admitted that it wasn't easy to take the decision but she had made her mind up leading into the clash against Pakistan which was the last match for the White Ferns in the 50-over World Cup earlier this year.

“I knew heading into that match it could be my last time playing for New Zealand, hence why I was quite emotional, I took some time after the tournament to talk to family and friends to solidify my decision before making it official today,” she mentioned.

Martin is now thinking of building a career in commentary and also coaching to nurture the budding talent and help the youngsters grow.

“I’ve loved being involved with Spark Sport learning from some of the best cricket broadcasters in the country, as well as rubbing shoulders with several of our greatest players.”

“I’m passionate about leaving the game in a better place and would be very keen to help coach and develop our next generation of keepers. It’s definitely somewhere I feel I can give back to a game that has given me so much,” she added.