New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has stepped down from his role following the nation’s early T20 World Cup exit.
The 33-year-old has also opted out of a national contract for the 2024-25 season.
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It marks the end of an era for New Zealand who made the final in the 2021 edition of the tournament and the semi-finals in the three editions before that.
Williamson will continue to play in all three cricket formats for New Zealand, but has taken up a contract outside of the country.
He said: “Pursuing an overseas opportunity during the New Zealand summer means I’m unable to accept a central contract offer.
Kane Williamson steps down from white-ball captaincy. He led New Zealand in 91 ODIs and 75 T20Is, taking them to back-to-back ICC tournament finals 🇳🇿
The end of an era. PIC.TWITTER.COM/ZQKSYEUI8D
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) JUNE 19, 2024
“Playing for New Zealand is something I treasure, and my desire to give back to the team remains undiminished.
“My life outside cricket has changed however — spending more time with my family and enjoying experiences with them at home or abroad is something that’s even more important to me.”
Williamson will likely be heading to a T20 franchise league and is taking more of a backseat role as New Zealand start their preparations for the 2026 World Cup in Sri Lanka and India.
Williamson’s decision to opt out of a national contract will not hurt his future chances for selection for the Black Caps, according to CEO Scott Weenink.
He said: “We’re happy to make an exception for our greatest ever batter — especially as he remains so committed to the team.
“This is a good way to help keep Kane in the international game so that he continues to play a major role for the Black Caps — both now and in the years to come.”