Star batter Kane Williamson decided to step down as the captain of New Zealand’s white-ball teams and also rejected an offer from the country’s cricket board for a central contract for the 2024-25 season.
Kane Williamson has stepped down as the skipper of the New Zealand white-ball teams and has also declined a central contract from the board for the 2024-25 season on June 19, Wednesday. The New Zealand cricket board announced the decision made by Williamson on their official website and claimed that the star batter made the call to prolong his international career.
The decision from Williamson comes after the Blackcaps’ disastrous campaign at the T20 World Cup 2024, where they exited the competition in the group stages after suffering losses to the West Indies and Afghanistan. New Zealand play very little cricket at home during the 2024/25 season, especially during the January window.
“Kane Williamson has re-emphasised 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.
What did Williamson day about the call?
Williamson said that his decision shouldn’t be interpreted as him losing interest in international cricket and claimed that he is ready to accept 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.”