Wellington
Charismatic batter and former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson on Sunday announced his retirement from T20 Internationals, days before the start of a five-match home series against the West Indies. The decision ends a remarkable 14-year career in the shortest format, marked by consistency, calm leadership and unmatched sportsmanship.
Williamson, 35, who represented New Zealand in 93 T20Is and amassed 2,575 runs at an average of 33, will not feature in the upcoming series or the following ODIs, as he focuses on the three-Test series against the Caribbean side beginning in Christchurch on December 2. He retires as New Zealand’s second-highest T20I run-scorer, with 18 half-centuries and a highest score of 95.
Having debuted in 2011, Williamson captained the side in 75 matches, leading the Blackcaps to two T20 World Cup semifinals (2016 and 2022) and the final in 2021. Widely regarded as one of the game’s most composed leaders, he also holds more than 19,000 runs across formats.
“It’s something I’ve loved being part of for a long time,” Williamson told New Zealand Cricket (NZC). “It’s the right time for myself and the team. There’s so much T20 talent in the setup, and I’ll be supporting from afar.”
Recently appointed strategic advisor for the Lucknow Super Giants in the 2026 IPL season, Williamson emphasized his ongoing commitment to New Zealand’s Test and ODI formats.
NZC coach Rob Walter hailed Williamson’s immense contribution, saying, “His runs and leadership have been invaluable. Captaining 75 of his 93 T20Is shows the extent of his influence.”
Williamson is expected to continue playing franchise cricket around the world.
