Former New Zealand cricket team captain Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from T20 Internationals. However, he will continue to represent the team in ODIs and Tests. New Zealand Cricket stated that Williamson will not take part in the upcoming limited-overs series against the West Indies, as he wants to focus on the three-match Test series scheduled for December.
Having made his T20I debut in 2011, Williamson captained New Zealand in 75 matches, leading the team to two ICC T20 World Cup semifinals (2016 and 2022) and one final (2021). The 35-year-old is New Zealand’s second-highest run-scorer in men’s T20 internationals, with 2,575 runs at an average of 33, including 18 half-centuries and a top score of 95.
In a statement, Williamson said:
“It’s something I’ve loved being part of for a long time, and I’m very grateful for all the memories and experiences. This feels like the right time for me and for the team. It gives clarity for the side to move forward toward its next major goal — the T20 World Cup. There’s a lot of T20 talent coming through, and this next phase will be vital in preparing them for the tournament.”
He added that Mitchell has been a fantastic captain and that the team has already shown its potential under his leadership. “It’s time for the Black Caps to move forward in this format, and I’ll be supporting them from afar,” he said.
Williamson, who is New Zealand’s all-time leading run-scorer, said he remains open-minded about his ODI and Test future. His full focus now is on preparing for the three-Test series against the West Indies, starting December 2 in Christchurch.
“I care deeply about this team,” Williamson said. “The Black Caps are a special place to be, and you always want to give everything you have for them and perform at your best.”
New Zealand Cricket CEO Scott Weenink said he respects Williamson’s decision and praised his contributions to the T20 side.
“As a player, Kane’s performances — and his leadership as T20 captain — have been extraordinary. His 85-run knock in the T20 World Cup final remains one of the finest innings ever played by a New Zealand batter.”