Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from T20 International cricket, calling time on a 93-match career that saw him become one of New Zealand’s most consistent and respected performers in the format.
The 35-year-old will also sit out the upcoming white-ball series against the West Indies, choosing instead to focus on the Black Caps’ three-Test campaign in December.
Williamson retires as the country's second-highest men's T20I run-scorer, with 2575 runs at an average of 33, including 18 half centuries and a top score of 95.
He made his debut in 2011 and captained the side in 75 matches, leading the team to two ICC T20 World Cup semi-finals (2016, 2022) and a final in 2021.
"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," Williamson 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."
Williamson praised current T20 captain Mitchell Santner, saying the team was in good hands.
"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 BLACKCAPS forward in this format and I’ll be supporting from afar."
His next appearance was expected to be for Northern Districts in the Plunket Shield against Auckland on November 26 at Bay Oval.
Williamson was open-minded about his ODI and Test future, with his immediate focus for the three-Test series against the West Indies which begins in Christchurch on November 26.
New Zealand Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink paid tribute to Williamson’s contribution to the T20 side.
"Kane’s performances as a player and his service as captain of the T20 side have been nothing short of immense," Weenink said.
"His knock of 85 in the T20 World Cup final was one of the more special T20I innings played by a New Zealander, albeit in a losing cause."
Weenink said Williamson had earned the right to decide how he finishes his ODI and Test careers.
"We would, of course, love to see him play for as long as possible, but there’s no doubt whenever he does decide to finally call time – he will go down as a legend of New Zealand cricket."
Williamson will continue to play T20 franchise cricket around the world.
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