Kane Williamson retires from T20Is with immediate effect

New Zealand senior batter Kane Williamson has bid adieu to his T20I career on Sunday, November 2. After making his T20I debut in 2011, Williamson emerged as the second-leading run-scorer for New Zealand, racking up 2575 runs at an average of 33 with 18 half-centuries.

Furthermore, Kane will miss the forthcoming white-ball series against the West Indies to keep his focus on the three-match Test series against them. He led the national side on 75 occasions, propelling them to two ICC T20 World Cup semi-finals in 2016 and 2022 and a final in 2021. 

Speaking to the media, Kane reckoned that it’s the perfect time to step back from the shortest format of the game and give the team enough clarity ahead of the much-awaited ICC T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be played in India and Sri Lanka.

“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. 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,” he said.

“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 is a brilliant captain and leader - he’s really come into his own with this team,” he added.

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

“I’ve got such deep care for this team. The BlackCaps is a special place and one you want to give yourself to and get the most out of yourself for. It’s a journey and a pursuit, and that’s what I love about the international game and this environment,” he noted.

“I’ll continue to keep the lines of communication open with Rob and NZC who have given me a huge amount of support throughout,” he concluded. 

Williamson's next professional game is likely to be for Northern Districts in their Plunket Shield clash against Auckland at Bay Oval, starting November 26. However, he will immediately focus on the three-Test series against the West Indies. Also, he will continue to play the T20 franchise cricket across the globe.

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