Copyright sportskeeda
Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has called time on his T20I career on Sunday (November 2) ahead of the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup, which will commence in February. The star player relinquished captaincy in the shorter formats after New Zealand's elimination in the 2024 T20 World Cup. After one more year, Kane has now retired from the shortest format, just four months before the major ICC tournament.After one more year, he has now retired from the shortest format, just four months before the major ICC tournament. In a media release from the NZC, Williamson revealed that he enjoyed playing T20Is for his nation for a long time and expressed gratitude for all the memories and experiences he gained during the memorable journey."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," he said.The 35-year-old felt it was the right time, as team management would have clarity on the playing composition going into the 2026 T20 World Cup. Williamson continued:"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."Kane also extended his support to the current New Zealand T20I captain, Mitchell Santner, and praised his leadership abilities."Mitch is a brilliant captain and leader - he’s really come into his own with this team. It’s now their time to push the BLACKCAPS forward in this format and I’ll be supporting from afar," he added. After bidding farewell to the T20I format, Williamson will continue to represent the Kiwis in ODI and Tests. Affirming his love for the New Zealand team, he concluded:"I’ve got such deep care for this team. The BLACKCAPS 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."Kane Williamson's record in the T20I format for New ZealandKane Williamson during New Zealand v England: 1st ODI 2025 - Source: Getty ImagesThe Kiwi stalwart has played 93 T20Is during his 13-year career in the format and accumulated 2575 runs at an average of 33.01, including 18 half-centuries. His final T20I appearance for the Kiwis came against Papua New Guinea in Trinidad during the 2024 T20 World Cup.Williamson has led the New Zealand side in 75 of those games and took them to the semi-finals of the 2016 and 2022 T20 World Cups. He was also at the helm of the Kiwi team that finished as runners-up in the 2021 T20 World Cup after losing to their neighbors, Australia.Kane Williamson was last seen on the field during the recently concluded three-match ODI series against England at home.
