NEWS
Follow UsIn the aftermath of a disastrous first-round exit at the T20 World Cup 2024, Kane Williamson has stepped down as New Zealand’s white-ball skipper, effective immediately. New Zealand lost both of their first two clashes at the global event, against West Indies and Afghanistan, which then ruled them out of the race for the Super 8s.
Furthermore, Williamson has also opted out of the central contract for the upcoming international season in a bid to prolong his career.
"Helping push the team forward across the formats is something I'm very passionate about and something I want to keep contributing towards," Williamson said in a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) release.
"However, pursuing an overseas opportunity during the New Zealand summer means I'm unable to accept a central contract offer,” he added.
Only last year, Williamson gave away the Test job to Tim Southee in a similar move to prolong his career. Given that New Zealand play very little cricket over the next year, Williamson’s decision comes keeping his family in mind, given that he might still be one of the names that franchises would be interested in at the mega Indian Premier League auction.
However, his love for the nation remains undiminished, stating that he will always return in Kiwis colours with utmost passion.
"Playing for New Zealand is something I treasure, and my desire to give back to the team remains undiminished," he said. "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."
It remains to be seen whether Williamson, one of New Zealand’s finest batters of all time, will play in the next T20 World Cup. New Zealand Cricket’s CEO, Scott Weenink, insisted that Williamson has earned the right to have a say in his future without backlash.
"This is a good way to help keep Kane in the international game so that he continues to play a major role for the Blackcaps - both now and in the years to come," he said.
"We have very little international cricket in New Zealand through January and outside that period he's still available for the Blackcaps. NZC has a strong preference to select centrally contracted players for the Blackcaps.”
"However, we're happy to make an exception for our greatest ever batter - especially as he remains so committed to the team. I know it sounds a bit counterintuitive, but I'm very encouraged by this development."
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