Kolkata : New Zealand icon and former skipper Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from international cricket, effective immediately.
In a statement from New Zealand Cricket, Williamson shared the reason behind his decision, bringing the curtains down on a stellar career.
“I’ve thought about it for a while, but over the last few days it’s become clear now is the right time,” he said.
“I’ve always felt a strong drive and hunger for international cricket, and I take pride in knowing I’ve given it my all in every match I’ve played for New Zealand.
“Continuing with anything less wouldn’t be right and I feel fortunate to step away on my own terms.
“I leave feeling optimistic about where this group is heading. There’s a huge amount of talent, and a real desire to do something special with this New Zealand team.
“It’s a team I love, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of it for so long. It will continue to be dear to my heart.”
Williamson was part of the New Zealand team that reached successive ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Finals, including in 2019 when he captained the team.
He spearheaded the Black Caps through an golden period between 2016 and 2024, guiding them to two ICC World Cup Finals, three semi-finals. After the 2024 T20 World Cup disappointment , he stepped down from T20Is.
He also led the Black Caps to the maiden ICC World Test Championship glory in 2021 defeating Test giants India in the final.
The retirement brought abrupt end to his 16 years international Cricket career. Having already stepped away from T20 Internationals, Williamson admitted that the realisation to call time on his remaining national commitments crystallized in the wake of last week’s heavy defeat against England at Lord’s. He scored a duck and 18 runs in that Match and speculations regarding his retirement sparked wide. The decision comes midway in England away Test series. He will no longer take part in the series, means fans already witnessed him for the last time in Lord’s Test.
Williamson leaves the international arena as the Black Caps’ most prolific run-scorer in history. Across 378 matches since his debut in 2010, he accumulated a staggering 19,346 runs at the highest level, decorated by 48 centuries and six double-centuries. Just like Virat Kohli, Williamson retires just ahead of completing 10,000 Test runs, having recorded 9516 runs till now.
