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New Zealand great Kane Williamson has retired from T20 cricket with immediate effect. Williamson played 93 T20Is for the national team and scored 2575 runs with 18 fifties. His decision came just months before the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Given his ability to tackle the spinners, Williamson could have been an asset for New Zealand in the mega event, but he decided to quit the shortest format of the game, paving the way for the players who have carried the team in his absence from the T20 team since the T20 World Cup 2024. The 35-year-recently old opted out of their three-match series against Australia at the start of the month, then missed the subsequent 1-0 loss to England with a groin injury. Williamson said his decision will provide clarity to the team going into the World Cup. Williamson captained the side 75 times and led them to the World Cup final in 2021 and semi-finals in 2016 and 2022. “It’s something that I’ve loved being a part of for a long period of time and I’m so grateful for the memories and experiences,” Williamson said on Sunday. “It’s the right time for myself and the team. It gives the team clarity for the series moving forward and ahead of their next major focus which is the T20 World Cup. “There’s so much T20 talent there and the next period will be important to get cricket into these guys and get them ready for the World Cup. “Mitch (Santner) is a brilliant captain and leader - he’s really come into his own with this team. “It’s now their time to push the Black Caps forward in this format and I’ll be supporting from afar.” Williamson To Continue Playing Tests And ODIWilliamson confirmed that he will continue to play Tests and remain open-minded about his future in ODIs for New Zealand. His next assignment will be the three-match Test series against the West Indies in December. “I’ve got such deep care for this team,” Williamson added. “The Black Caps is a special place and one you want to give yourself to and get the most out of yourself for. It’s a journey and a pursuit, and that’s what I love about the international game and this environment. “I’ll continue to keep the lines of communication open with Rob (coach Rob Walter) and NZC who have given me a huge amount of support throughout.” Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Sports, Cricket and around the world.
