New Zealand cricketer Kane Williamson has retired from international cricket with immediate effect, bringing an end to a 16-year career that began in 2010.
The announcement came midway through New Zealand’s three-Test series in England.
Williamson made 0 and 18 in New Zealand’s defeat in the first Test at Lord’s and will not feature in the remaining two fixtures at The Oval and Trent Bridge.
“I’ve 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 New Zealand Cricket statement.
“I’ve always felt a strong drive and hunger for international cricket, and I take pride in knowing I’ve given it my all in every match I’ve played for New Zealand. Continuing with anything less wouldn’t be right and I feel fortunate to step away on my own terms,” he added.
He said, “I leave feeling optimistic about where this group is heading. There’s a huge amount of talent, and a real desire to do something special with this New Zealand team. It’s a team I love, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of it for so long. It will continue to be dear to my heart.”
Williamson had not held a central contract with New Zealand Cricket since June 2024, choosing instead to play select international series alongside his T20 franchise commitments in the latter stages of his career.
The pinnacle of Williamson’s career came when he led New Zealand to victory in the inaugural World Test Championship final in 2021 against India. As captain, he also guided the side to the final of the 2019 ODI World Cup, the final of the 2021 T20 World Cup, the semi-finals of the 2016 T20 World Cup, the semi-finals of the 2022 T20 World Cup, and the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Williamson finishes as New Zealand’s highest run-scorer in Test cricket with 9,515 runs at an average of 54.06 in 110 matches.
He scored 7,256 ODI runs in 175 matches, the fourth highest for New Zealand, and 2,575 T20I runs in 93 matches, the second highest for New Zealand. As Test captain, he won 22 matches, lost 10 and drew eight of his 40 games in charge. In ODIs he led the side in 91 matches, winning 46, losing 40 with one ending in a tie. Across 75 T20Is as captain, he won 39, lost 34 while one ended in a tie.
