Kane Williamsonwho was recently appointed by the Lucknow Super Giants as the strategic advisor for the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has called time on his T20I career. However, he will continue to play Tests and ODIs for the Black Caps.
Williamson finishes as New Zealand’s second-highest run-getter in men’s T20Is, with 2575 runs at an average of 33.44 and a strike rate of 123.08 in 93 matches. He made 33 half-centuries, including a highest score of 95 in a T20I against India in Hamilton in January 2020.
Williamson, who made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe in Harare in October 2011, played his last match in the format in the 2024 T20 World Cup against Papua New Guinea. The right-handed batsman scored an unbeaten 18 off 17 balls to help the Kiwis register a comfortable seven-wicket win. However, under the leadership of Williamson, New Zealand failed to progress beyond the group stage.
He captained New Zealand in 75 T20Is. The 35-year-old led the Kiwis to two ICC T20 World Cup semi-finals (2016 and 2022) and a final (2021). His retirement comes just four months before the 2026 edition of the T20 World Cup
“It’s something I’ve loved being a part of for a long 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 moving forward with the series and ahead of their next big focus which is the T20 World Cup,” Williamson told Cricbuzz.
“There is so much T20 talent there and the next period will be important to get these boys into cricket and get them ready for the World Cup. Mitch [Santner] is a brilliant captain and leader, he really comes into his own with this team. Now is their time to take the BlackCaps forward in this format and I will support them from afar,” he added.
I will continue to keep the lines of communication open with Rob and NZC:Williamson
Williamson will return to action from November 26 in the Plunket Shield clash between Northern Districts and Auckland at Bay Oval. He will look to use this as preparation for the impending three-Test series against the West Indies, starting on December 2 in Christchurch.
“I care so much for this team. The BlackCaps is a special place where you want to give yourself and get the most out of yourself. It’s a journey and a pursuit, and that’s what I love about the international game and this environment. I will continue to keep the lines of communication open with Rob. [Walter] and NZC who have given me tremendous support throughout,” said Williamson.
NZC CEO Scott Weenink praised Williamson’s contribution to New Zealand cricket, calling his impact “immense”.
“Kane’s achievements as a player and his services as captain of the T20 side have been nothing short of immense. His runs in all conditions reflect the world-class batsman that he is and are equally matched by the influence of his leadership on and off the field,” 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 on a losing cause. The T20 team experienced great consistency and success under Kane’s watch and he certainly leaves the team in good health,” he added.
Weenink also stated that Williamson had earned himself the right to decide how to retire from the two other forms of international cricket.
“We have made it clear to Kane that he has our full support as he reaches the end of his illustrious career. We would of course like to see him play for as long as possible, but there is no doubt that when he finally calls time, he will go down in history as a legend of New Zealand cricket,” Weenink said.
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