'Players Going Home Before Turning Up for Country': Simon Doull Delivers Scathing Critique On NZ Cricket Team

'players going home before turning up for country': simon doull delivers scathing critique on nz cricket team

Former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull has unleashed a fiery broadside at the national team following their underwhelming performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Doull's criticism centers on the team's perceived lack of commitment and prioritisation.

Their early exit from the competition, failing to qualify for the Super 8 stage, exposed vulnerabilities and raised questions about the team's preparation and focus.

During New Zealand’s match against Uganda, former fast bowler Simon Doull did not mince words and said, "Actually, they deserve to [play T20 World Cup qualifiers]; came here unprepared, unprepared for the warm-up game. Players actually putting trips back home ahead of turning up for their country."

"Over the years, NZC has been very generous in allowing players to play franchise cricket all around the world, but they need to show the willingness to make decisions for the country as well,” Doull added.

Doull's harsh words are likely to spark some sort of introspection within New Zealand Cricket. Will they serve as a wake-up call, prompting introspection and a renewed commitment to excellence? Only time will tell how the Black Caps respond to this public criticism.

The fallout from New Zealand's T20 World Cup exit, coupled with Doull's scathing critique, could also be a defining moment for New Zealand Cricket.

Against Uganda, the Kiwis were ruthless and set up a clinical nine-wicket win over Uganda in Trinidad on Saturday, June 15. Veteran pacers Trent Boult (2/7) and Tim Southee (3/4) were the destroyers-in-chief as Uganda were bowled out for just 40 runs. In response, NZ chased down the score in 5.2 overs.

New Zealand faces Papua New Guinea in their next league stage match at the Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad.