New Zealand’s star batter and former captain Kane Williamson has officially announced his retirement from T20 International cricket. The 34-year-old made the decision just months before the 2026 T20 World Cup, marking the end of an era for one of New Zealand most composed leaders.
Williamson confirmed that while he is stepping away from T20Is, he will continue to represent New Zealand in One-Day Internationals and Test cricket.
The Kiwi great ends his T20I career as New Zealand’s leading run-scorer, amassing 2,575 runs in 93 matches at an average of over 33. During his captaincy tenure, Williamson led the Black Caps to the final of the 2021 T20 World Cup and the semifinals in 2016 and 2022, earning immense respect for his calm and tactical leadership.
Speaking on his decision, Williamson said,
“It feels like the right time for me and for the team. There’s so much young talent coming through, and this will give them clarity and opportunity ahead of the next T20 World Cup.”
With Williamson’s retirement, Mitchell Santner is expected to continue leading the side in the shortest format. Despite stepping away from international T20s, Williamson will still feature in global T20 franchise leagues and recently took on a strategic advisor role with Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL.
His departure marks a significant transition for New Zealand cricket, but his impact and legacy in all three formats will remain unmatched.
