On June 19, Wednesday, Kane Williamson announced his resignation as the white-ball teams’ captain and his rejection of a central contract from the board for the 2024–25 season. On their official website, the New Zealand cricket board declared Williamson’s choice, stating that the star batter decided to continue his international career.
Williamson’s decision follows the Blackcaps’ poor performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, where they were eliminated in the group stages following defeats by Afghanistan and the West Indies. During the 2024–25 cricket season, New Zealand will play very little cricket at home, particularly in the January window.
“Kane Williamson has reaffirmed his long-term dedication to the BLACKCAPS across all three formats, even though he has declined a central contract for the 2024-25 year.”
“The experienced cricketer, with more than 350 international matches under his belt, will forgo both a central contract and his captaincy of the BLACKCAPS white-ball teams, aiming to extend his international career.”
“At 33, Williamson has opted to capitalize on a unique situation this summer, with minimal international cricket scheduled in New Zealand,” during January,” stated New Zealand Cricket.
Kane Williamson Opens Up About the Decision:
Williamson claimed that he is prepared to take a central deal in the future and added that his decision shouldn’t be seen as a sign that he is losing excitement in playing for his country.
“I’m very passionate about helping the team push forward across the formats, and I want to keep contributing to that,” he stated.
“Regrettably, I must decline the central contract offer as I am pursuing an overseas opportunity during the upcoming summer in New Zealand.”
According to Williamson, his current priorities are being with his family more than anything else.
“I love being a member of the New Zealand team, and I still want to give back to the team.”
“My life outside of cricket has changed, but what’s even more important to me is spending more time with my family and having experiences with them both at home and abroad.”
In addition to Williamson, Lockie Ferguson has chosen not to accept a central contract offered by the cricket body of New Zealand.
