Kane Williamson steps down as New Zealand captain, turns down central contract

Kane Williamson has resigned as captain of the New Zealand cricket team, the Black Caps said Wednesday, days after they exited the T20 World Cup in the group stage.

Williamson has also turned down a central contract for the 2024/25 season, letting go of the captaincy of the T20I and ODI teams. He has still maintained his desire to play international cricket.

By turning down the central contract, the 33-year-old batter has made himself available to accept offers to play in lucrative overseas T20 competitions.

“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. “However, pursuing an overseas opportunity during the New Zealand summer means I’m unable to accept a central contract offer.

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He can still play for New Zealand, with the Black Caps scheduled to play Tests against Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, India and England later this year.

The greatest effect of franchise based leagues on a national team is being felt in New Zealand where Kane Williamson has turned down a central contract because he will be unavailable for portions of the NZ summer. That is a major event and further evidence that NZ will have to…

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 19, 2024

Williamson maintained that that his decision to step down as skipper and turn down a central contract should not be interpreted as a sign he was losing interest in international cricket.

“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.”

New Zealand have preferred picking players who are centrally contracted, but CEO Scott Weenink said they will make an exception for Williamson.

“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,” said Weenink. “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.”

Williamson has led New Zealand in all three formats until he gave up the Test leadership duties to Tim Southee in late 2022.

Since making his debut in 2010, Williamson has played 100 Tests, 165 ODIs and 93 T20Is for New Zealand.

Following New Zealand’s T20 World Cup exit, which ended an impressive run in ICC white-ball tournaments recently, Trent Boult announced he was retiring. With two stalwarts of the sport stepping away, New Zealand will have to name a new limited-overs captain.

Apart from Williamson, pacer Lockie Ferguson has also indicated an unwillingness to sign the central contract. The final list is expected to be released next month.