New Zealand veteran Kane Williamson announces retirement from T20I cricket

By Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek has a Master's in Journalism and has written more than 50,000 articles. He currently works as a cricket content writer at Khel Now.

Published at :November 2, 2025 at 3:23 PM

Modified at :November 2, 2025 at 3:23 PM

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson at ICC T20 World Cup 2024

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

Kane Williamson represented New Zealand in 93 T20Is since his debut in 2011.

Former New Zealand Cricket Team captain Kane Williamson announced his retirement from T20I cricket on Sunday, November 2. However, the right-handed batsman assured that he will continue to play for the BlackCaps in ODI and test cricket. Moreover, he will also continue to play franchise T20 cricket.

The 35-year-old made his T20I debut in 2011 and represented the national side in 93 games, with his final appearance coming in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Across 90 innings, he mustered 2575 runs at an average of 33.44 with 18 half-centuries, while his highest score was 95 runs.

The veteran batsman retired as the second-highest run-scorer for New Zealand in the shortest format. He also captained the side in 75 games, leading the team to the semi-finals of ICC T20 World Cup 2016 and 2022. Under his captaincy, the BlackCaps also finished as runners-up in ICC T20 World Cup 2021.

I’m so grateful for the memories and experiences: Kane Williamson after retirement from T20I cricket

Speaking after his retirement from T20I cricket, Williamson cherished the memories and experiences over the years.

“It’s something that I’ve loved being a part of for a long period of time and I’m so grateful for the memories and experiences,” Williamson said. It’s the right time for myself and the team,” Williamson was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

It gives the team clarity for the series moving forward and ahead of their next major focus which is the T20 World Cup. There’s so much T20 talent there and the next period will be important to get cricket into these guys and get them ready for the World Cup,” he added.

Meanwhile, Williamson will next play for New Zealand in the test series against the West Indies as confirmed by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) in an official statement. The three-match series will commence on December 2 with the first encounter at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

When did Kane Williamson announce his retirement from T20I cricket?

Kane Williamson announced his retirement from T20I cricket on November 2, 2025.

What is Kane Williamson’s record in T20I cricket?

Kane Williamson played 93 T20I games in his career, scoring 2575 runs at an average of 33.44, including 18 half-centuries.

When will Kane Williamson next play for New Zealand?

Kane Williamson will next play for New Zealand in the test series against the West Indies in December 2025.

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Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.