WELLINGTON: New Zealand’s legendary batsman Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from T20 international cricket, saying the team needs a clear direction ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Williamson leaves as New Zealand’s second-highest run-scorer in T20 internationals, having scored 2,575 runs in 93 matches, including 18 half-centuries.
He led New Zealand to the final of the 2021 T20 World Cup, where the team lost to Australia despite his brilliant knock of 85 runs. Williamson also guided the Kiwis to the semifinals in the 2016 and 2022 editions of the tournament.
The 35-year-old had confirmed last week that he would reduce his international commitments to spend more time with his family and participate in professional white-ball leagues.
In a statement, Williamson said it was the right time for both him and the team, as the decision would give New Zealand clarity before upcoming series and their next major goal, the T20 World Cup.
He added that New Zealand has tremendous T20 talent, and the coming period will be crucial to provide young players with opportunities and prepare them for the global tournament.
Williamson has withdrawn from the upcoming home T20 series against the West Indies starting Wednesday and will also miss the subsequent ODI series.
However, he will be available for the three-match Test series against the West Indies in December, where he aims to add to his record tally of 9,276 runs in the format.
New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive Scott Weenink praised Williamson, saying the veteran batsman had earned the right to decide how to manage the remainder of his illustrious career.
