Williamson steps away from T20 internationals
- Dave Worsley
- Nov 2
- 2 min read
Kane Williamson has called time on his 93-game T20 International career and will miss the upcoming white-ball series against West Indies to focus on the three-Test series in December.
The 35-year-old retires as New Zealand’s second-highest men’s T20I runs-scorer with 2575 runs at an average of 33, including 18 50s and a highest score of 95.
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Williamson, who made his T20I debut in 2011, captained the Black Caps on 75 occasions - leading them to two ICC T20 World Cup semi-finals (2016 & 2022) and a final (2021).
Williamson said the timing felt right to step back from the shortest format.
“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,” he said.
“It’s the right time for myself 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.
“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.
“It’s now their time to push the Black Caps forward in this format and I’ll be supporting from afar.”
Williamson’s next game will likely be for Northern Districts in their Plunket Shield second round clash against Auckland at Bay Oval in Tauranga, starting Wednesday November 26.
The Black Caps all-time leading run-scorer said he was open minded about his ODI and Test future, with his immediate focus preparing for the three Test series against West Indies, which starts in Christchurch on December 2.
“I’ve got such deep care for this team,” he said.
“The Black Caps 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.
“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 is still open to planning frachise T20 cricket.
