The former New Zealand captain, Kane Williamson, has decided to retire from the T20 Internationals on Sunday, November 2nd. Earlier there were speculations on his retirement in this format, and he was even appointed as the strategic advisor in the cash-rich franchise Lucknow Supergiants in the Indian Premier League.

He had even opted out from the recently concluded three-match T20I home series against Australia earlier this October due to a groin injury. Earlier he did not even play the series against England either. Notably, his T20I retirement announcement came a few months before the 2026 T20 Men's World Cup.

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Currently 35, Williamson has represented his country in 93 T20 Internationals after he debuted in 2011. Williamson bids adieu to T20 International cricket with 2,575 runs, the second highest for a Kiwi player, at an average of 33.44. Even though he never scored a century in the format, he has 18 half-centuries, with his highest score touching 95.

Kane led the team in 75 of his 93 T20I matches. He was the captain of the team when they played the semifinals of the 2016 and 2022 T20 world Cup. he also led New Zealand to the final of the 2021 T20 World Cup; however, they were defeated by Australia by 8 wickets. Speaking about retirement, Williamson said,

"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. 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.

 

"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."

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Currently, kane Williamson is enjoying a casual contract with The Black Caps, due to which he is currently playing the important tours. He had recently missed the Zimbabwe tour.

Presntly, kane has a very young family to take care of. The newly appointed head coach of New Zealand cricket, Rob Walter, respected Kane's decision and said,

"You get to different life positions and the game does require a lot and demand a lot. So, understandably, Kane decided to step away from T20 internationals. And we're now looking to the Test series at the end of the year and that will be our primary focus now."

Rob further said that Kane adds immense value to the team and tagged the latter as a "magnificent team man." Rob further said,

"He's a real sounding board for the guys in the team. He's experienced a hell of a lot. He's delivered incredible performances under pressure in World Cup finals. There's a whole package there that obviously the team loses, but respectful of his decision."

NZC released an official statement where it said that Kane Williamson will join the Northern Districts for the Plunket Shield match against Auckland starting this November 16. This will be a means of preparation for the upcoming test series against the West Indies starting this December, at Christchurch.