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LAHORE: Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has retired from international cricket with immediate effect, concluding a stellar 16-year career.
The 35-year-old right-handed batsman made the surprise announcement midway through New Zealand’s three-Test series in England. Williamson featured in the first Test at Lord’s, scoring 0 and 18 during New Zealand’s defeat. He has chosen to skip the remaining two matches at The Oval and Trent Bridge.
“I have thought about it for a while but over the last few days it’s become clear now is the right time,” Williamson said in a statement released by New Zealand Cricket (NZC).
“I have always felt a strong drive and hunger for international cricket and I take pride in knowing I have given it my all in every match I have played for New Zealand,”.
He added that continuing with anything less than total commitment would not be right, noting that he felt fortunate to step away on his own terms.
Williamson had already begun stepping back from national duties in recent years. He turned down a central contract with NZC in June 2024 to play as a select player around his global T20 franchise commitments. He also announced his retirement from T20 internationals in November.
Williamson retires as New Zealand’s highest run-scorer in Test match cricket. He finishes his career with 9,515 runs at an average of 54.06 across 110 Test matches. The pinnacle of his career came in 2021 when he captained New Zealand to victory against India in the inaugural World Test Championship final. In shorter formats, Williamson was equally dominant. He scored 7,256 runs in 175 One Day Internationals (ODIs), placing him fourth on New Zealand’s all-time list. He also hit 2,575 runs in 93 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), the second-highest for his country.
As a leader, Williamson captained New Zealand in 40 Tests, securing 22 wins, 10 losses, and eight draws. He also led the team in 91 ODIs and 75 T20Is. Under his leadership, New Zealand became a major force in global tournaments. Beyond the World Test Championship title, he guided the “Black Caps” to the final of the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2021 T20 World Cup. He also led them to the semi-finals of the 2016 T20 World Cup, the 2022 T20 World Cup, and the 2023 ODI World Cup.
New Zealand coach Rob Walter praised Williamson’s profound influence on the sport and the national team.
“His numbers and batting skills speak for themselves, but it’s what he means to this Black Caps team, as well as world cricket that will be his legacy,” Walter said.
“His impact on the culture and standards of this team will remain embedded in its DNA.”
