Kane Williamson resigns as New Zealand captain and turns down mid-2024-25 contract

Star batsman from New Zealand Kane Williamson made a significant decision, to step down from the T20I and ODI captaincy while turning down a contract midway through the 2024-25 season.

Kane Williamson prioritizes family and international cricket leagues

The move prioritizes his desire to spend more time with his family and pursue an opportunity in overseas cricket.

Notably, he will be selected by the senior team in the SA20 and may play in the upcoming Major League Cricket (MCL) in the USA.

“Helping to push the team forward in all formats is something that I am very passionate about and something that I want to continue to contribute to,” Williamson said so in a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) release. “However, pursuing an overseas opportunity in the New Zealand summer means I cannot accept a mid-term contract.”

Williamson is open to taking center stage in the future

Despite this decision, Williamson is still willing to represent New Zealand and accept a contract in the future.

“Playing for New Zealand is something I value a lot, and my desire to give back to the team has not come yet,” he said. “My life outside of cricket has changed though. Spending more time with my family and enjoying experiences with them at home or abroad is even more important to me.”

The announcement follows a lackluster T20 World Cup 2024 campaign for New Zealand, where they failed to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2014. Williamson is still undecided about his future in the T20Is, he said, “Open up, I don’t know. We’ll see where things go,” when asked about his involvement in the 2026 program.

By opting for a non-exclusive contract, Williamson will receive a retainer during his time in camp with the Black Caps, as well as regular match fees. He is expected to be available for most of the Tests, likely to miss only the September match against Afghanistan in India (which has no importance for the World Test Championship).

The Black Caps’ upcoming schedule includes tours of Sri Lanka (Tests and ODIs) and India, followed by a home series against England starting in November. Williamson may miss the white-ball matches against Sri Lanka before joining the squad for the home season opener.