In a major development for world cricket, former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has officially announced his retirement from T20 international cricket, bringing an end to a remarkable chapter in his career that spanned over a decade.
Williamson, who led New Zealand to multiple ICC tournaments, including the final of the 2021 T20 World Cup, said in a statement that the decision was made to manage his workload and focus on Test and ODI cricket.
“It’s been an incredible journey representing New Zealand in T20Is,” Williamson said. “I’ve been fortunate to share some unforgettable moments with my teammates and the fans. Now feels like the right time to step aside and allow the next generation to take the format forward.”
The 34-year-old made his T20I debut in 2011 and went on to play more than 80 matches, scoring over 2,500 runs with a reputation for calm leadership and technical brilliance.
Under his captaincy, New Zealand became one of the most consistent teams in world cricket, earning respect for their sportsmanship and strategic play.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) praised Williamson for his exceptional contribution to the shortest format. “Kane’s influence goes far beyond the numbers. His leadership, humility, and consistency have inspired an entire generation of cricketers,” the board said in a statement.
While retiring from T20Is, Williamson confirmed that he will continue to represent New Zealand in Test and ODI cricket, including preparation for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 202
