Auckland is set to host 'Thank You Gup' celebration to honor Martin Guptill at Eden Park.
The Auckland Aces will celebrate Martin Guptill's remarkable cricket career during their Super Smash T20 game against the Wellington Firebirds on January 4 at the Eden Park Outer Oval, Auckland.
The special day, named 'Thank You, Gup,' will honor the 37-year-old Guptill for his significant contributions to both New Zealand and Auckland cricket. As part of the celebrations, the Eden Park Outer Oval will be renamed 'The Martin Guptill Oval' for the testimonial game.
Apart from this, Guptill’s remarkable cricket career will also be celebrated at the grassroots level. Actually, Auckland's Men's Premier Club T20 tournament is set to be named the Martin Guptill Cup for the 2024–25 season in honor of the Kiwi star.
However, amid these honors, Guptill made it clear that the celebration doesn't mark his retirement, as he wants to continue playing in franchise T20 and T10 leagues globally. Notably, Guptill hasn't played for New Zealand since October 2022 and has been a freelancer since November 2022.
Auckland Cricket CEO Iain Laxon said in a statement: “Martin is without doubt one of our country's finest ever white-ball cricketers and we wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate and recognise what he has done for cricket. His career is one that feels at times like an ongoing highlights reel.”
He added, “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.”
Meanwhile, recalling his memories with Auckland, Guptill stated: “It's pretty special. I've been involved in the Auckland Cricket system for a number of years now, from the age-groups, U14s, U15s, U17s and U19s, to where I am today. A lot of thanks to Auckland Cricket.”
He signed off by saying, “It's like a family community here and I've been lucky enough to be involved with it for a long time now. Winning the Plunket Shield two years ago and being there playing the game when the Shield was presented was pretty special. We had a good night after that.”
(With ESPNCricinfo Inputs)