Kane Williamson has stepped down as the captain of New Zealand’s white-ball cricket teams and declined a central contract for the 2024-25 season. The New Zealand Cricket Board revealed this on their website on Wednesday, June 19, explaining that Williamson chose to do this to stretch his international cricket career.
Williamson made this decision after the Blackcaps’ poor performance at the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they were knocked out in the group stages after losing to the West Indies and Afghanistan. New Zealand has a minimal schedule at home during the 2024/25 season, particularly in January.
“Kane Williamson has re-emphasized his long-term commitment to the BLACKCAPS in all three formats – despite declining a central contract for the 2024-25 year.”
“The veteran of over 350 internationals will forgo a central contract and the captaincy of the BLACKCAPS white ball teams in a move he hopes will extend his international career.”
“The 33-year-old has opted to take advantage of a particular set of circumstances this summer in which very little international cricket is being played in New Zealand during the January window,” read the statement from New Zealand Cricket.
Williamson said his decision doesn’t mean losing interest in international cricket. He also mentioned that he’s open to accepting a central contract in the future.
“Helping push the team forward across the formats is something I’m very passionate about and something I want to keep contributing towards,” he said.
“However, pursuing an overseas opportunity during the New Zealand summer means I’m unable to accept a central contract offer.”
