Kane Williamson Retires From T20 Internationals

New Zealand batting great Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from Twenty20 Internationals, stating that the team needed “clarity” ahead of next year’s World Cup.

Williamson ends his T20I career as New Zealand’s second-highest run-scorer, amassing 2,575 runs in 93 matches with 18 half-centuries at an average of 33.4.

He led the Black Caps to the final of the 2021 T20 World Cup—where he scored a valiant 85 in a losing effort against Australia—and to semi-final appearances in 2016 and 2022.

Williamson had earlier stepped down as captain in both white-ball formats after signing a “casual” contract with New Zealand Cricket, allowing him greater flexibility in managing his playing commitments.

Last week, the 35-year-old confirmed plans to scale back his international duties to dedicate more time to his young family and participate in global franchise leagues.

“It’s the right time for myself and the team. It gives the team clarity for the series ahead and for their next major goal, which is the T20 World Cup,” Williamson said in a statement.

“There’s so much T20 talent in New Zealand, and this next phase will be crucial in giving these players the opportunities they need to prepare for the World Cup.”

Williamson will miss the upcoming home T20 series against the West Indies starting Wednesday and will also sit out the subsequent ODI series. However, he remains available for the three-Test series against the visitors in December, where he will look to extend his New Zealand-record tally of 9,276 Test runs.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink said Williamson had earned the right to decide how he wants to manage the final stages of his international career.

“We’ve made it clear to Kane that he has our full support as he approaches the latter part of his illustrious journey,” Weenink said. “We would, of course, love to see him continue playing for as long as possible, but there’s no doubt that whenever he chooses to step away, he will be remembered as a true legend of New Zealand cricket.”