Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect. The New Zealand great will not take part in the remainder of the ongoing series against England.
The 35-year-old confirmed his decision in an official statement released by New Zealand Cricket. Williamson said that while representing New Zealand has always been his biggest honour, he no longer feels the same hunger to continue at the highest level.
“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,” he said in an official statement as quoted by NZC.
“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,” the prolific batter added.
One of New Zealand’s Greatest Cricketers
Williamson leaves the game as one of the finest batters in New Zealand’s history. He played 110 Tests, 175 ODIs, and 93 T20Is. During his international career, he scored 19,346 runs and registered 48 centuries.
He retires as New Zealand’s leading run-scorer and century-maker across international cricket. In Tests, he scored 9,515 runs and 33 centuries. He also recorded six double hundreds in international cricket.
Widely respected as a member of cricket’s famous “Fab Four” alongside Steve Smith, Joe Root, and Virat Kohli, Williamson earned admiration around the world for his consistency and leadership.
Although he finished 485 runs short of 10,000 Test runs, his legacy remains secure. Williamson recently worked with Lucknow Super Giants as a strategy advisor in IPL 2026 and could now explore more coaching or mentoring roles in the future.
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