Cricket: Former Black Cap retires

Former New Zealand international allrounder Brendon Diamanti has today retired from domestic cricket to spend more time with his family.

Diamanti, a hard-hitting lower order batsman and medium pace bowler, had been a regular in Central Districts teams in all three forms of the game, but he was particularly effective in limited overs cricket and won a call up to the national team last year.

He played in one one-day international, a rained-out match against Australia at Sydney, and one Twenty20 international, a one-run loss to South Africa at Lord's during the Twenty20 World Cup in England, both last year.

"After some months of deliberation I have decided that my priorities in life have changed and I want to spend more time with my family," Diamanti said.

"I also felt that I had achieved what I wanted as a player at first-class level and that the time was right to step aside and allow someone else the opportunity."

Diamanti, 29, made his debut for Central Districts in 2003 and played 27 Plunket Shield matches, scoring two hundreds and averaging 25.72 with the bat - he scored two centuries, with a highest score of 136 - while taking 57 wickets at a tick under 35.

He also played 59 one-day matches and had a handy average of 28 with both bat and ball.

Central Districts chief executive Hugh Henderson was "a bit surprised" by the news but paid tribute to Diamanti's service to the association.

"We are sad to be losing Brendon to retirement as he has been a major contributor both on and off the field for the Stags," he said.

"Brendon is a complete professional and has always demonstrated the commitment and work ethic required to succeed."

Diamanti's contract would effectively end today, Henderson said, and they would name a replacement as soon as possible.

"I'm just going through that process now with New Zealand Cricket and the players' association as to how it works."

Diamanti will continue to be involved with Central Districts' Network Coaching programme, overseeing and mentoring young players in the region.

- NZPA