Legendary New Zealand batsman and former captain Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from international cricket.
According to details, Kane Williamson has decided to retire with immediate effect, which not only ends his successful 16-year international career, but he will also miss the remaining two matches of the ongoing series against England.
One of our biggest signings.
Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect.
Head to https://t.co/Pm8RiU65zt read more. pic.twitter.com/e22MeZ410e
– BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 12, 2026
The 35-year-old Williamson is currently in the Kiwi squad for the ongoing three-Test series against England.
In his statement, Williamson said that he had been thinking about this decision for a long time, but in recent days he felt that now is the right time to bid farewell to international cricket.
He said he always considered it an honor to represent New Zealand and played to his full potential in every match.
Kane Williamson has retired as New Zealand’s most successful batsman in Test history.
“It’s a team I love and it’s very dear to my heart”
Thanks for the memories, Kane 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/u1qBOMEfzy
– BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 12, 2026
He scored 9515 runs in 110 Test matches, while scoring 7256 runs in ODIs and 2575 runs in T20 Internationals.
The biggest achievement of his career was helping New Zealand win the World Test Championship title for the first time in 2021.
Also as captain, Williamson led the team to the finals and semi-finals of several international competitions.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter described him as not only a great player but also a great leader by example and ambassador for cricket and said his service and influence will remain a part of New Zealand cricket for a long time.
