Super Smash organises ‘Thank You Gup’ day to celebrate Martin Guptill’s career

Martin-Guptill. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Auckland Aces’ Super Smash T20 game against Wellington Firebird on January 4 will celebrate the illustrious career of New Zealand batter Martin Guptill. Branded as the ‘Thank You Gup‘ day, the day will celebrate the 37-year-old’s accomplishments for New Zealand and Auckland Cricket.

As part of the celebrations, the Eden Park Outer Oval will become ‘The Martin Guptill Oval’ for the testimonial game. Furthermore, Guptill’s accomplishments will be recognized at the grassroots level, as the premier T20 competition will be renamed the Martin Guptill Cup from the 2024–25 season on.

It has been made clear by Guptill himself that the special day will not be his retirement party, and he will continue to play franchise cricket. It is worth noting that Guptill has yet to feature for the national team since October 2022.

Martin is without doubt one of our country’s finest ever: Iain Laxon

Furthermore, with the celebrations around the corner, Auckland Cricket CEO Iain Laxon came forward to heap praise on Guptill for his achievements with New Zealand cricket and opined that he is one of the greatest white-ball cricketers ever produced by the country.

“Martin is without doubt one of our country’s finest ever white-ball cricketers, and we wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate and recognize what he has done for cricket,” Iain Laxon was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

“His career is one that feels at times like an ongoing highlights reel, there are so many moments where he has made hugely significant contributions at a domestic level for Auckland or on the international stage for New Zealand. Those efforts create memories for all of us, and we want everyone to come along and join us in saying thanks to him for all those special moments,” he added.

Guptill has been branded as a legend of Auckland cricket. making his T20 debut for the side in 2006, the 37-year-old remains their highest-ever run-getter in the format with 2313 runs at an average of 37.91 and a strike rate of 133.23.