Kane Williamson declined his national contract and stepped down as New Zealand captain in both ODIs and T20Is.
Kane Williamson has stepped down as New Zealand captain in both ODIs and T20Is. Having succeeded Brendon McCullum as the national captain in all three formats, Williamson had stepped down from the role in Test cricket in December 2022. Tim Southee had succeeded him.
Under Williamson, New Zealand had reached the final in all three ICC events – the World Cup in 2019 and the World Test Championship and the T20 World Cup in 2021 – within a span of a little over two years. This included New Zealand becoming the inaugural WTC champions. No captain has led them to as much success at global level.
Williamson, 33, has also declined New Zealand Cricket’s central contract. His decision came not too long after New Zealand’s first group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup. “Pursuing an overseas opportunity during the New Zealand summer means I'm unable to accept a central contract offer,” he explained in a NZC press release.
Contract News | Kane Williamson has re-emphasised his long-term commitment to the BLACKCAPS in all three formats - despite declining a central contract for the 2024-25 year. #CricketNation https://t.co/FhDIgpoifs
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 18, 2024
The New Zealand summer will coincide with at least three T20 leagues (BBL, SA20, and ILT20) and probably a fourth, the BPL. It is not clear whether Williamson has accepted an offer from a franchise in any of these leagues. If he does, he may also opt out of the Super Smash, New Zealand’s own T20 tournament.
“Playing for New Zealand is something I treasure, and my desire to give back to the team remains undiminished,” added Williamson. “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.”
NZC CEO Scott Weenink was supportive of Williamson’s decision: “NZC has a strong preference to select centrally contracted players for the Blackcaps. 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.”
Under Williamson, New Zealand had a win-loss ratio of 2.200 in Test cricket (their best for any captain), 1.150 in ODIs, and 1.147 in T20Is.
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