Daijiworld Media Network - Auckland

Auckland, Nov 2: In a heartfelt announcement that marks the end of a remarkable chapter in New Zealand cricket, batting maestro Kane Williamson has officially retired from Twenty20 internationals, bringing down the curtain on a stellar career in the shortest format.

The 35-year-old, known for his calm temperament and impeccable technique, said the decision was taken to provide the team with “clarity” ahead of next year’s ICC T20 World Cup.

“It’s the right time for myself and the team,” Williamson said in a statement released by New Zealand Cricket (NZC). “It gives the team clarity for the series moving forward and ahead of their next major focus, which is the T20 World Cup. There’s so much T20 talent there, and the next period will be important to get cricket into these guys and get them ready for the World Cup.”

Williamson retires as New Zealand’s second-highest run-scorer in T20Is, with 2,575 runs in 93 matches at an average of 33.44, including 18 half-centuries. As captain, he led the Black Caps to several memorable campaigns — most notably, the 2021 T20 World Cup final, where his elegant 85 went in vain against Australia, and to semi-final appearances in 2016 and 2022.

Having recently signed a casual central contract with NZC, Williamson has opted for a more flexible schedule, allowing him to spend quality time with his young family while participating in select domestic T20 leagues globally.

He will miss the upcoming T20 and ODI series against the West Indies, but remains available for the three-Test series in December.

NZC chief executive Scott Weenink praised Williamson’s contributions to the sport, saying, “We’ve made it clear to Kane that he has our full support as he reaches the back end of his illustrious career. We’d love to see him play for as long as possible, but there’s no doubt he will go down as a legend of New Zealand cricket.”