19/06/24 | 10:25 am

Print

Williamson quits captaincy, declines New Zealand Cricket central contract 

Batter Kane Williamson has stepped down as the skipper of New Zealand white-ball teams and has also declined a central contract from the board.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) released a statement on Wednesday, confirming that the veteran batter opted out of the central contract for the 2024-25 season.

Speculations were building around Williamson’s future after New Zealand suffered heartbreak following an early exit in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

With 358 appearances for the Kiwis in his decorated career, the 33-year-old opted out of the contract list and white-ball captaincy in a bid to extend his international career.

“Helping push the team forward across 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,” Williamson said in a statement. 

More to follow.

RELATED ARTICLES

3 hours ago | Mark Chapman

Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman to miss NZ’s ODI series against India

Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman will miss New Zealand's one-day international series against India this month as they continue to recuperate from shoulder and hamstring injuries respectively, the team said on Monday. All-rounder Ravindra's right sh...

30/10/26 | 4:47 pm | Cricket

4th T20I: Glenn Phillips fireworks secure New Zealand’s consolation win against India

New Zealand's Glenn Phillips lashed an incendiary 107 to secure a comprehensive 87-run consolation win over India in the fourth Twenty20 International on Friday. Having lost the first three games of the five-match series, New Zealand piled up 259-7 ...

30/10/26 | 3:26 pm | Arshdeep Singh becomes first Indian bowler

Arshdeep Singh becomes first Indian bowler to claim 150 T20I wickets

India pacer Arshdeep Singh created history on Friday by becoming the first Indian bowler to claim 150 wickets in T20 Internationals, achieving the milestone during the fourth T20I against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland. The left-arm fast bowle...