Kane Williamson steps down as New Zealand captain, opts out of central contract after T20 WC 2024 exit

Kane Williamson led New Zealand in 40 tests, 91 ODIs, and 75 T20Is.

Kane Williamson has quit as New Zealand white-ball captain after the Kiwis failed to qualify for the Super 8s stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Moreover, Williamson has also declined a central contract for 2024-25.

The Kane Williamson-led Kiwis, who were the runners-up in the 2021 T20 World Cup, had a disastrous T20 World Cup in the United States and the West Indies. The Blackcaps were put into Group C alongside co-hosts the West Indies, Afghanistan, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea, and they failed to win both of their first two matches.

New Zealand lost their first group game against the West Indies before getting stunned by Rashid Khan’s Afghanistan and suffering a crushing loss. Though New Zealand registered back-to-back victories over minnows Uganda and PNG, their first two losses in the group stage proved to be fatal to their chances to proceed to Super 8s.

“Helping push the team forward across the formats is something I’m very passionate about and something I want to keep contributing towards. However, pursuing an overseas opportunity during the New Zealand summer means I’m unable to accept a central contract offer,” Williamson said in a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) release.

Ahead of last season, Williamson, 33, had relinquished the test captaincy with Tim Southee being appointed as his successor.

“Playing for New Zealand is something I treasure”- Kane Williamson committed to playing for Kiwis

New Zealand do not have much cricket after the T20 World Cup. They are slated to play eight tests, including a tour of India and then a three-match home series against England in November-December, before Christmas.

Williamson, who played his 100th test earlier this year, also has 165 ODI caps and 93 T20I caps. He led New Zealand in 40 tests, 91 ODIs, and 75 T20Is. He led New Zealand to their second ICC title when they defeated India in the final of the 2021 World Test Championship.

Despite giving up his central contract, Kane Williamson has committed himself to play for New Zealand.

“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,” he added.

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