Saturday, March 29, 2025
In a stunning announcement just months before the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, New Zealand cricket legend Kane Williamson has declared his retirement from T20 International cricket. The 35-year-old made the announcement nearly three months before the mega event, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, leaving the Black Caps without their most experienced leader in the shortest format.
Williamson, who has been a mainstay of New Zealand cricket for over a decade, played 93 T20 Internationals, scoring 2,575 runs at an average of 33, with 18 half-centuries and a top score of 95. He is the country’s second-highest run-getter in T20Is and one of its most successful captains.
Debuting in 2011, Williamson led New Zealand in 75 T20Is, guiding them to two semifinals (2016 and 2022) and a final appearance in 2021. His leadership and calm temperament were often cited as key reasons behind New Zealand’s consistent performances on the world stage.
Speaking on his retirement, Williamson said,
“It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m truly grateful for the memories and experiences. This feels like the right time for me and for the team. It gives the next group of players clarity to build towards the 2026 World Cup. We have a talented pool, and it’s important they get the opportunity to grow into the format.”
He also praised Daryl Mitchell, calling him “a fantastic captain and leader” who can take the team forward in this format.
Williamson will now skip the upcoming white-ball series against West Indies to focus on a three-match Test series starting December 2 in Christchurch. The veteran said he remains open about his ODI and Test future but wants to prioritize red-ball cricket for now.
Despite stepping away from international T20s, Williamson confirmed he will continue playing franchise T20 cricket across the globe, remaining active in the format through various leagues.
This announcement marks the end of an era in New Zealand’s T20 setup — Williamson’s steady leadership, consistency, and grace under pressure will be sorely missed.
