New Zealand Cricket (NZC) is mulling over the inclusion of Colin Munro for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, set to commence on June 1. Despite his absence from international cricket since 2020 due to losing his central contract, Munro has showcased his prowess in various leagues worldwide, notably the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
With an impressive record as the seventh-highest run-scorer in CPL history and the leading overseas run-scorer, Munro’s statistics speak volumes. Amassing 2353 runs at an average of 35.65, he has been a stalwart performer, spending seven seasons with the Trinbago Knight Riders and recently representing the St Lucia Kings.
Despite his disappointment at being left out of the T20 World Cup 2021 squad, Munro, now aged 37, remains optimistic about featuring in the 2024 edition, possibly his final stint in international cricket before retirement. However, he has chosen to opt out of the preparatory series for the World Cup as NZC announced a 15-player squad for the Pakistan T20I series.
The Black Caps are gearing up for a challenging five-match T20I series in Pakistan, albeit without several key players. While Munro is among those unavailable for selection, nine other players, including Kane Williamson and Trent Boult, have prioritized participation in IPL 2024.
NZC’s selection manager, Sam Wells, acknowledged Munro’s remarkable form in recent years and his exceptional record in the Caribbean Premier League. Although Munro has declined participation in the upcoming tour, he remains a potential candidate for future selection.
“We got in touch with Colin. He’s obviously been in fine form for the last few years in various competitions around the world and, in particular, has an excellent record in the Caribbean Premier League,” Wells said. “He made himself unavailable for this tour but he’s potentially still an option.”
Munro’s T20I record boasts 1724 runs from 62 innings, maintaining a respectable average of 31.34 and a striking rate of 156.44, including three centuries and eleven half-centuries. As discussions continue within NZC, Munro’s potential return to the international arena adds intrigue to New Zealand’s T20 World Cup campaign.
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