Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Kane Williamson Retires From T20Is to Prioritize Tests

He says the timing gives selectors clarity before the 2026 World Cup, with him skipping the West Indies white-ball series.

Overview

  • The 35-year-old ends a 14-year T20I career with 93 caps, 2,575 runs and 18 fifties, having captained 75 matches and led New Zealand to the 2021 final and the 2016 and 2022 semi-finals.
  • He will remain available for red-ball cricket and is set for the three-Test home series against the West Indies starting December 2 in Christchurch.
  • Williamson framed the decision as providing selection clarity ahead of the next T20 World Cup and publicly backed Mitchell Santner to lead the white-ball side.
  • New Zealand Cricket and head coach Rob Walter voiced full support, noting Williamson’s current non-central-contract status and his open-minded stance on future ODI involvement.
  • He will stay connected to the format through franchise commitments, including a strategic-advisor role with IPL side Lucknow Super Giants.