New Zealand captain Kane Williamson quits and declines central contract after T20 World Cup debacle

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson quits and declines central contract after T20 World Cup debacle

Kane Williamson's decision comes in the aftermath of New Zealand's group-stage exit from the T20 World Cup after losing to Afghanistan and the West Indies.

Just a day after, he raised doubts over his T20I cricket, Kane Williamson resigned from the New Zealand white-ball captaincy position and was excluded from the central contract for the New Zealand cricket team for the season 2024-2025. This, however, does not mean an end to Williamson’s glorious international career, stated the batter and New Zealand Cricket.

Williamson, however, will be two formats available for all three, but as he said in the post-match press conference of New Zealand’s last T20 World Cup match, the emphasis will be on the World Test Championship.

Williamson’s decision was made during the post-New Zealand group stage elimination in the T20 World Cup match against Afghanistan and West Indies. NZC also stated that Williamson was still eager to play for the Black Caps at the centre stage of international cricket. The 33-year-old benefitted from this summer situation where not many international games are played in New Zealand during January.

Otherwise, he will be free for the eighth World Test Championship before Christmas and participate in the ICC Champions Trophy Tournament in Pakistan in February-March.

Williamson: "I cherish playing for New Zealand"

Williamson explained that his decision ought not to be seen as an indication he was going bored of playing international cricket; on the contrary, he expressed then willingness to accept a central contract offer if any in future.

That endeavour was to remain New Zealand’s priority.

“To be able to help drive the team forward in all the formats is something that I am very keen on and is something that I would want to continue doing,” added. “Nevertheless, since the New Zealand summer season is the Australian summer peak season, it is impossible to agree to any central contract.”

He was also happy to discover how to manage to play numerous games as well as the desire to continue playing for his country. “Evolving as a player for New Zealand is something I pride myself on and the desire to contribute to the team has not faded off at all.

“Though the life off the cricket field has evolved – it is more about spending quality time with family and enjoying moments with them at home or when we travel and even this is more precious.”