Kane Williamson opts out of New Zealand central contract for 2024-25
He has also relinquished the white-ball captaincy
Kane Williamson reflects ahead of what will be New Zealand’s final game at the T20 World Cup 2024, New Zealand vs PNG, Tarouba,T20 World Cup 2024, June 17, 2024
Kane Williamson led New Zealand in 166 white-ball matches and 40 Tests.
Kane Williamson, New Zealand’s current T20I and ODI captain, has declined a central contract for 2024-25. He will also step down from white-ball captaincy to prolong his international career.
“Helping push the team forward across the formats is something I’m very passionate about and something I want to keep contributing towards,” Williamson said in a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) release. “However, pursuing an overseas opportunity during the New Zealand summer means I’m unable to accept a central contract offer.”
New Zealand have very little cricket at home during this season, especially in January. They are slated to play eight Tests, including a tour of India and then a three-match home series against England in November-December, before Christmas. Ahead of last season, Williamson, 33, had relinquished the Test captaincy with Tim Southee appointed as his successor.
Despite forgoing a central contract, Williamson reiterated his commitment to New Zealand and remained open about accepting a contract in the future.
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“Playing for New Zealand is something I treasure, and my desire to give back to the team remains undiminished,” he said. “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.”
The announcement comes on the heels of a disappointing T20 World Cup 2024 campaign for New Zealand, who missed out of at least a semi-final finish in a men’s World Cup for the first time since 2014. Williamson was coy about his T20I future saying “Oh, I don’t know. We’ll see where things land,” when asked whether he would be involved in New Zealand’s T20 setup in 2026.
Williamson, who played his 100th Test earlier this year, also has 165 ODI caps and 93 T20I caps. He led New Zealand in 40 Tests, 91 ODIs and 75 T20Is – a stellar recorded decorated by their finals’ appearances in the World Test Championship 2021 (that they won), the ODI World Cup 2019 (which they lost via a Super Over) and T20 World Cup 2021 (lost to Australia).
January 2025 will see a clash of T20 leagues, with UAE’s ILT20, South Africa’s SA20, Australia’s BBL and Bangladesh’s BPL set to overlap. While ILT20 is set to begin on January 11, it is understood that the BBL will run until January 26. The SA20 is set to run from January 9 to February 8. New Zealand’s Super Smash could also be on in the same time period. All of it will be followed by the ICC Champions Trophy – to be hosted by Pakistan – that is to start tentatively on February 19.
Scott Weenink, the NZC CEO, said that New Zealand’s “greatest ever batter” has earned the right to pursue other goals, including family-oriented ones.
“This is a good way to help keep Kane in the international game so that he continues to play a major role for the Blackcaps – both now and in the years to come,” he said. “We have very little international cricket in New Zealand through January and outside that period he’s still available for the Blackcaps. NZC has a strong preference to select centrally contracted players for the Blackcaps.
“However, we’re happy to make an exception for our greatest ever batter – especially as he remains so committed to the team. I know it sounds a bit counterintuitive, but I’m very encouraged by this development.”
Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, 33, who has played a Test, 65 ODIs and 42 T20Is, has also indicated that he won’t be accepting a central contract offer. He signed off from the T20 World Cup with figures of 4-4-0-3 against PNG, becoming only the second bowler – and the first in T20 World Cups – to bowl four maidens in a men’s T20I.
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New Zealand Cricket Legend Kane Williamson Steps Down from White-Ball Captaincy and Central Contract
New Zealand cricket fans received a surprising double dose of news today. Star batsman Kane Williamson, widely regarded as the country’s greatest ever batter, has announced he will be stepping down from the captaincy of the T20I and ODI teams. Additionally, Williamson has declined a central contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) for the 2024-25 season.
This decision comes on the heels of a disappointing T20 World Cup 2024 campaign for the Black Caps, who failed to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2014. While coy about his future in T20 internationals, Williamson expressed his unwavering commitment to New Zealand Cricket: “Playing for New Zealand is something I treasure, and my desire to give back to the team remains undiminished.”
Prioritizing Family and Overseas Opportunities
Williamson, 33, cited a desire to spend more time with his family as a key factor in his decisions. Balancing a demanding international cricket schedule with family life has become increasingly challenging, prompting a shift in priorities. He also hinted at pursuing an overseas opportunity during the upcoming New Zealand summer, which coincides with a period of minimal home matches.
A Stellar Record as Captain
Despite relinquishing the white-ball captaincy, Williamson leaves behind a legacy of outstanding leadership. He captained New Zealand in a staggering 166 white-ball matches, including 40 Tests, 91 ODIs, and 75 T20Is. Under his guidance, the Black Caps reached the pinnacle of cricket, securing the World Test Championship trophy in 2021. They also narrowly missed out on World Cup glory, finishing runners-up in both the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2021 T20 World Cup.
NZC Acknowledges Williamson’s Importance
NZC CEO Scott Weenink acknowledged Williamson’s exceptional contribution to New Zealand Cricket and expressed full support for his decision. Weenink emphasized Williamson’s status as “our greatest ever batter” and highlighted the importance of keeping him involved in international cricket. While acknowledging the preference for centrally contracted players, Weenink stated, “we’re happy to make an exception for our greatest ever batter.”
Unveiling the Future of New Zealand Cricket
Williamson’s decision paves the way for a new chapter in New Zealand Cricket’s leadership. The search for his successor as white-ball captain will undoubtedly be a topic of much discussion in the coming weeks. With Williamson remaining available for selection outside the January window, his experience and talent will continue to be crucial for the Black Caps’ success.
Clash of the Titans: A Busy January Awaits Cricket Fans
The cricketing world will witness a fascinating clash of leagues in January 2025. The UAE’s ILT20, South Africa’s SA20, and Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) are all set to run concurrently, offering fans a plethora of high-octane action. This period could also see the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) in play, further intensifying the cricketing calendar. The ICC Champions Trophy, tentatively scheduled to begin on February 19th in Pakistan, will follow this T20 extravaganza.
The Path Ahead
With Williamson’s decision, New Zealand Cricket enters a new era. While his time as white-ball captain may be over, his legacy of leadership and exceptional batting will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Black Caps. Cricket fans around the world will be eager to see how Williamson’s career unfolds and who steps up to lead New Zealand’s white-ball teams