Kane Williamson steps down as New Zealand captain, decides not to take a national contract next season

New Zealand’s Kane Williamson has stepped down as the captain of the New Zealand cricket team and has also decided to forego a national contract for the upcoming season.

The move comes barely days after New Zealand were ousted in the first stage of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

The 33-year-old Williamson said he is passionate about helping the team move forward across all formats of the game. “Helping push the team forward across the formats is something I’m very passionate about and something I want to keep contributing towards. However, pursuing an overseas opportunity during the New Zealand summer means I’m unable to accept a central contract offer,” he said, in a media statement.

Williamson said his desire to give something back to the team has never diminished but added that he would be looking to spend more time with family. “Playing for New Zealand is something I treasure, and my desire to give back to the team remains undiminished. My life outside cricket has changed, however. Spending more time with my family and enjoying experiences with them at home or abroad is something that’s even more important to me,” he added.

The 33-year-old played 100 Tests, 165 ODIs and 93 T20Is for New Zealand. He also led the side in 40 Tests, 91 ODIs and 75 T20Is.

New Zealand reached three ICC finals with Williamson in the side – 2015 and 2019 ODI World Cups, 2021 T20 World Cup and the inaugural World Test Championship final, in which they triumphed beating India.

Williamson said he will be available to play all formats of the game for New Zealand after January 2025.

New Zealand will play eight Test matches, including a tour of India and later a three-match home series against England in November and December. The ICC Champions Trophy will be played in February and March in Pakistan.