Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from T20Is on November 02, aiming to focus on Test and ODI cricket.
This decision comes after he confirmed his availability for the T20I World Cup 2026, which is set to be held in India and Sri Lanka.
The 35-year-old has played 93 games in the T20I format for his country since making his debut against Zimbabwe in 2011 and has captained the side for 75 games and leading them to the World Cup in 2021 and semi-finals in 2016 and 2022.
He has scored 2575 runs in T20 internationals with 18 half-centuries, with a high score of 85 against Australia in the T20 World Cup 2021 final.
“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 me 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.”
Kane Williamson has opted out of the central contract, but was open to playing in the ODIs and also confirmed his availability in the three-match test series against West Indies in December.
Speaking on Williamson’s decision to retire, NZC chief executive Scott Weenink said, “Kane’s performances as a player and his service as captain of the T20 side have been nothing short of immense.”
“His runs in all conditions around the world reflect the world-class batsman that he is and are equally matched by the influence of his leadership on and off the field.
“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,” concluded Scott Weenink.
