T20 World Cup: Kane Williamson Quits New Zealand’s White-Ball Captaincy

Kane Williamson has stepped down as the captain of New Zealand’s white-ball teams and declined a central contact for 2024-25 after their group-stage exit from the T20 World Cup.

The Black Caps finished third in their T20 World Cup group behind Afghanistan and the West Indies, grabbing two wins and two defeats which weren’t enough for a place in the Super Eights phase.

The early exit was unexpected for the Kiwis, who made the semi-finals of the previous three T20 World Cups and the 2021 final.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said that Williamson, who has played more than 350 internationals, will forgo a central contract and the captaincy in a move he hopes will extend his international career.

Williamson has opted to take up a contract outside of New Zealand in January which will rule him out for part of the home summer. But the 33-year-old is still committed to playing for New Zealand and remained open about accepting a contract in the future.

“Helping push the team forward across the formats is something I’m very passionate about and something I want to keep contributing towards,” Williamson said.

“However, pursuing an overseas opportunity during the New Zealand summer means I’m unable to accept a central contract offer.”

Neither Williamson nor the New Zealand board mentioned where he intends to play in January. Australia, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa and Bangladesh are all due to host T20 leagues during that month.

“Playing for New Zealand is something I treasure, and my desire to give back to the team remains undiminished,” added Williamson, who stepped down as the test captain in 2022.

“My life outside cricket has changed however – spending more time with my family and enjoying experiences with them at home or abroad is something that’s even more important to me.”

Williamson led New Zealand in 40 Tests, 91 ODIs and 75 T20Is. Under him, the Kiwis won the World Test Championship in 2021 and reached the finals of the ODI World Cup in 2019 and the T20 World Cup in 2021.

‘Greatest-Ever Batter’

New Zealand board’s CEO Scott Weenink said Williamson had earned the right to take some time off to pursue other goals, including family-oriented priorities.

“We have very little international cricket in New Zealand through January and outside that period he’s still available for the Black Caps,” Weenink said.

“NZC has a strong preference to select centrally contracted players for the Black Caps, however, we’re happy to make an exception for our greatest-ever batter – especially as he remains so committed to the team.

“I know it sounds a bit counterintuitive, but I’m very encouraged by this development,” he concluded.