Kane Williamson calls time on his T20I career, to carry on playing ODIs and Tests

Kane Williamson, who was recently appointed as a strategic advisor by the Lucknow Super Giants for the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has called time on his T20I career. However, he will continue playing Tests and ODIs for the Black Caps.

Williamson finishes as New Zealand's second-highest run-getter in men's T20Is, registering 2575 runs at an average of 33.44 and a strike rate of 123.08 in 93 matches. He notched up 33 half-centuries, including a highest score of 95 in a T20I against India in Hamilton in January 2020.

Williamson, who made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe in Harare in October 2011, played his last game in the format during the 2024 T20 World Cup against Papua New Guinea. The right-handed batter scored an unbeaten 18 off 17 balls to help the Kiwis register a comfortable seven-wicket victory. However, under Williamson's leadership, New Zealand failed to progress beyond the group stage.

He captained New Zealand in 75 T20Is. The 35-year-old led the Kiwis to two ICC T20 World Cup semi-finals (2016 and 2022) and a final (2021). His retirement comes merely four months ahead of the 2026 edition of the T20 World Cup

"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. 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," Williamson was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

"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 BlackCaps forward in this format and I'll be supporting from afar," he added.

I'll continue to keep the lines of communication open with Rob and NZC: Williamson

Williamson will return to action during the Plunket Shield clash between Northern Districts and Auckland at Bay Oval, starting November 26. He will look to use this as preparation for the impending three-Test series against the West Indies, commencing on December 2 in Christchurch.

"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. I'll continue to keep the lines of communication open with Rob [Walter] and NZC who have given me a huge amount of support throughout," Williamson mentioned.

NZC CEO Scott Weenink lauded Williamson's contribution to New Zealand cricket, calling his impact "immense."

"Kane's performances as a player and his service as captain of the T20 side have been nothing short of immense. His runs in all conditions reflect the world-class batsman that he is and are equally matched by the influence of his leadership on and off the field," Weenink said.

"His knock of 85 in the T20 World Cup final was one of the more special T20I innings played by a New Zealander, albeit in a losing cause. The T20 team experienced great consistency and success under Kane's watch and he certainly leaves the team in good health," he added.

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Weenink also stated that Williamson had earned himself the right to decide how he retires from the two other formats of international cricket.

"We've made it clear to Kane he has our full support as he reaches the back end of his illustrious career. We would, of course, love to see him play for as long as possible, but there's no doubt whenever he does decide to finally call time, he will go down as a legend of New Zealand cricket," Weenink said.