Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from T20 internationals to prioritize Test cricket.
Williamson’s decision was confirmed ahead of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand and West Indies, which begins in Auckland on Tuesday and just months ahead of the T20 World Cup, which begins in February.
The 35-year-old is not done with his 50-over career, but will play three one-day internationals against the West Indies following the T20 series to prepare for three Tests against the same opponents in December.
Williamson retired as New Zealand’s second-highest T20I run-scorer with 2,575 runs at an average of 33, including 18 half-centuries and a highest score of 95, the shortest international scorer.
“I’ve loved being a part of it for so long and I’m so grateful for the memories and experiences,” Williamson said.
“This is the right time for me and the team. It gives the team clarity to move the series forward ahead of the next major focus, which is the T20 World Cup.
“There is so much T20 talent out there and the next period will be important to get these players some cricket and get them ready for the World Cup.
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Williamson produced a brilliant diving catch to dismiss Manchester Originals Mark Chapman when he captained the London Spirit at The Hundred.
Williamson has captained the Black Caps 75 times since making his T20I debut in 2011, taking them to two World Cup semi-finals and the 2021 final.
Williamson is supporting Mitch Santner, who assumes the captaincy at the end of 2024, to successfully lead the team into the future.
“Mitch is an outstanding captain and leader. He has really come into his own with this team,” Williamson added.
“Now is the time to push the Black Caps forward in this format. I will support them from afar.”
Williamson will continue to play in the shortest format of franchise cricket. This means he could appear at The Hundred next summer after debuting in the London Spirit competition earlier this year.
