The captain of New Zealand’s one-day and T20 international teams, Kane Williamson, has decided to step down from the leadership role. Consequently, he will not be signing a national contract for the 2024/25 season.
His decision follows an early exit by the Black Caps at the T20 World Cup. Last year New Zealand made it to this stage in their fourth successive semi-final appearance having also reached the final in 2021 but still no ICC white-ball title.
Lockie Ferguson who is another cricketer from New Zealand who is specialized on fast bowling has also announced that he will not be taking up any national contract position NZC indicated.
Kane Williamson, who has more than 350 Test, ODI and T20 appearances and is one of the world’s best batsmen, will continue playing all formats for his country. However, his availability for some of the home summer matches will be affected by a new overseas contract beginning in January.
“My inability to accept a central contract offer arises from my plans to take an international opportunity during summer,” added the thirty-three year old.
He further said “I love playing for my country and I’m even more committed to giving back as part of it. Nonetheless my priorities have changed outside of cricket – spending time with my family more regularly or going on holidays with them either locally or abroad now means more to me.”
Another expectation is that Kane Williamson will join a foreign T20 franchise league such as Australia, South Africa or United Arab Emirates; this comes after he had relinquished test captaincy to Tim Southee last year 2022.
NZC noted that Kane Williamson would remain available for eight tests until Christmas Day as well as ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan running from February through March (New Zealand Cricket).
Accordingly, NZC stated that being absent would not bar Williamson from selection since this departure marks a turnaround from its usual approach which favors contracted players (New Zealand Cricket).
“Given how committed he is to the team, we are happy to grant an exception for our greatest batter ever. This is a good way of keeping Kane in the international game and ensuring that he continues playing a big part for the Black Caps – both now and in coming years,” said NZC CEO Scott Weenink.