Kane Williamson announces retirement from international cricket with immediate effect
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New Zealand's legendary batsman Kane Williamson has announced his 16-year international career retirement. With this announcement, his illustrious 16-year international career also came to an end. This news came right in the middle of the England vs New Zealand 3-match test series. He played his final international match at Lord's, London. In his 16-year career, he played 378 matches for New Zealand and finished his career as the batsman who scored the most runs (19,346 runs) for New Zealand in international cricket, which included 48 centuries and 6 double centuries. He set numerous magnificent batting records across the globe and was truly regarded as a gentleman of the sport.
Under his captaincy, the New Zealand team reached the final of the 2019 World Cup; had luck been on his side, this batsman would have also lifted the World Cup trophy as captain. However, under his leadership, New Zealand won the ICC World Test Championship title in 2021.
Between 2016 and 2024, he captained the BLACKCAPS in all three formats, leading them to two ICC World Cup Finals and three semifinals. New Zealand reached in both the 2021 T20 World Cup final and the 2019 ODI World Cup final while he was captain. They advanced to the semifinals of both the 2022 T20 World Cup and the 2023 World Cup.
"It's a team I love and it's so dear to my heart"
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 12, 2026
Thank you for the memories, Kane 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/u1qBOMEfzy
“I’ve thought about it for a while, but over the last few days it’s become clear now is the right time.
“I’ve always felt a strong drive and hunger for international cricket, and I take pride in knowing I’ve given it my all in every match I’ve played for New Zealand.
“Continuing with anything less wouldn’t be right and I feel fortunate to step away on my own terms.
“I leave feeling optimistic about where this group is heading. There’s a huge amount of talent, and a real desire to do something special with this New Zealand team.
“It’s a team I love, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of it for so long. It will continue to be dear to my heart.”
Kane Williamson made his international debut against India in Dambulla in 2010. He failed to open his account in that match, but gradually won over cricket fans with his performances. He soon earned a spot in the T20I and Test teams, becoming an integral part of the core group within a few years. The match-winning six he hit against Australia during the 2015 World Cup group stage match remains fresh in the memories of fans to this day.
Over the course of his international career, Williamson played a total of 110 Tests, 175 ODIs, and 93 T20Is. He has amassed 9,515 runs in Test cricket, including 33 centuries and 38 half-centuries. Meanwhile, in the ODI and T20I formats, he scored 7,256 runs and 2,575 runs, respectively.
