Kane Williamson to retire from international cricket? New Zealand Great provides update on his future
Updated - 20 Jun 2024, 02:52 PM
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New Zealand ace batter Kane Williamson has clarified the rumors about his retirement from international cricket after turning down the central contract for the 2024-25 season. Kane Williamson reiterated his commitment to the national team, stating his intention to continue playing for as long as he can.
Kane Williamson declined the central contract and stepped down after New Zealand's early exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA. The 33-year-old batter also stepped down as the white-ball captain. Williamson has been one of New Zealand's most prolific run scorers across the formats.
Williamson had a disappointing T20 World Cup, both as a captain and a batter. New Zealand suffered losses to Afghanistan and the West Indies and failed to advance to the Super 8 stages. The Kiwis' early exit was a shock, considering their consistent performances in ICC tournaments over the past decade.
My Priority Still Is Absolutely Playing For New Zealand - Kane Williamson
Speaking to reporters after arriving in New Zealand, Kane Williamson stated that he wants to continue playing for New Zealand in all three formats. Williamson emphasized his love for representing the Black Caps and his commitment to remaining part of the team as long as he can contribute effectively.
"My priority still is absolutely playing for New Zealand. I want to play as long as I can - I love playing for New Zealand. I've really enjoyed my time captaining and it's been a privilege and an honor to do that for a number of years. Being a part of this team is so dear to me and I want to remain in that community for as long as I can, as long as I'm offering and adding value," Williamson said.
Williamson scored only single figures in losses to the West Indies (1) and Afghanistan (9) in the T20 World Cup 2024. He managed to remain unbeaten on 18 runs in New Zealand's consolation win against Papua New Guinea.
2028 Is A Number Of Years Away - Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson stated that he wants to play international cricket until 2028 but prefers to take it year by year. The veteran cricketer acknowledged that he needs to manage his time effectively, adding that New Zealand Cricket is really supportive of that.
"In terms of a timeframe, it's difficult to say. Want to keep being fit, doing as well as I can, keep trying to improve. That [2028] is a number of years away and it's a year at a time. All major events and key series are things that whet the appetite and are an exciting prospect. They are down the line. Managing my time as well as I can after doing it for so many years is important and I know New Zealand Cricket are really supportive of that," Williamson further stated.
New Zealand Cricket will face the challenge of appointing a new white-ball captain following Williamson's resignation. Williamson led New Zealand to the finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2021 T20 World Cup. He also captained them to victory in the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) in 2021.
