WELLINGTON – Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson on Sunday announced his retirement from Twenty20 internationals, bringing an end to a stellar 14-year career in the format. However, the veteran batter confirmed he will continue representing the Black Caps in Test cricket, including the upcoming series against West Indies in December.
The 35-year-old made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe in 2011 and went on to play 93 matches, leading New Zealand in 75 of them. Under his captaincy, the team reached the T20 World Cup final in 2021 and the semi-finals in both 2016 and 2022.
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“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,” Williamson said. “It’s the right time for me and the team to move forward ahead of the next T20 World Cup.”
Williamson amassed 2,575 runs in T20Is, including 18 fifties, with a career-best 85 in the 2021 World Cup final against Australia. New Zealand Cricket confirmed that while Williamson no longer holds a central contract, he remains open to future one-day internationals.
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NZC chief executive Scott Weenink praised the departing T20 skipper, saying: “Kane’s contributions as both a player and leader have been immense. His performances and influence on and off the field make him one of New Zealand’s greatest ever cricketers.”