New Zealand cricket legend Kane Williamson has officially announced his retirement from T20 internationals, bringing an end to a remarkable chapter in his glittering career. The 35-year-old, who captained the Black Caps for nearly a decade across formats, said the decision was made to give the next generation of New Zealand cricketers a clear path forward while he focuses on Test and One-Day cricket.
Williamson’s T20I career has been nothing short of outstanding. In 93 matches, he amassed 2,575 runs at an average of 33.00, including 18 fifties and a career-best score of 95. As captain, he led New Zealand to the 2021 T20 World Cup final and guided them to semi-final appearances in 2016 and 2022 — achievements that solidified his place among the finest modern-day leaders in world cricket.
In a statement, Williamson expressed both pride and gratitude: “It’s been an incredible journey representing my country in T20Is. The format has grown so much and brought countless memories, but I believe it’s the right time to step aside and allow new talent to come through. I’ll continue to give my all in Test and ODI cricket.”
Williamson’s calm temperament, tactical brilliance, and graceful batting have earned him respect across the cricketing world. Fellow players and fans have flooded social media with tributes, calling him the epitome of sportsmanship and consistency.
Although he steps away from the shortest format, Williamson’s legacy as a leader and a gentleman of the game remains firmly intact — a true ambassador of New Zealand cricket and one of the most admired figures in international sport.
