Kane Williamson Announces T20I Retirement; Test & ODIs To Follow Soon?

New Zealand batter Kane Williamson on November 2 (Sunday) announced his decision to retire from T20 Internationals (T20I). Williamson has played 93 T20Is for the Blackcaps and has slammed 2,575 runs at 33.44 and a strike rate of 123.08 in 90 innings. He is New Zealand's second-highest run-getter in the format, behind Martin Guptill.

Moreover, the 35-year-old also led New Zealand in 75 matches, including two semi-final appearances in the T20 World Cup (2016 & 2022) and a final (2021). 

Speaking of his decision, Williamson, who has not played for New Zealand since their first-round exit at the T20 World Cup 2024, believes it was the right time for him to move away from the format. “It’s something that I’ve loved being a part of for a long period of time and I’m so grateful for the memories and experiences,” he said.

“It’s the right time for myself and the team. It gives the team clarity for the series moving forward and ahead of their next major focus, which is the T20 World Cup.

“There’s so much T20 talent there and the next period will be important to get cricket into these guys and get them ready for the World Cup. Mitch [Santer] is a brilliant captain and leader - he’s really come into his own with this team. 

“It’s now their time to push the Blackcaps forward in this format and I’ll be supporting from afar.”

Williamson's immediate goal is to prepare for the Test series against West Indies at home, starting December 2. 

But is Test and One-Day International (ODI) retirement too around the corner for Williamson, who is on a casual contract with the New Zealand Cricket (NZC)? 

NZC CEO Scott Weenink believes that the great has earned the right to call time on his career when he feels right.  “We’ve made it clear to Kane he has our full support as he reaches the back end of his illustrious career,” he said.

“We would, of course, love to see him play for as long as possible, but there’s no doubt whenever he does decide to finally call time, he will go down as a legend of New Zealand cricket.

“With Kane committed to play the West Indies Test series in December, I’d encourage all Kiwis to take the opportunity to get out and witness one of our greatest ever cricketers play.”

Despite T20I retirement, Williamson will continue playing T20 franchise leagues across the globe.