Kane Williamson Steps Down as NZ White-Ball Captain, Turns Down 2024-25 Central Contract

June 19, 2024 0 885

Kane Williamson announced he is stepping down as captain of New Zealand’s white-ball cricket teams and declined the central contract for the 2024-25 season.

Kane Williamson announced he is stepping down as captain of New Zealand’s white-ball cricket teams and declined a central contract for the 2024-25 season on June 19th. According to the New Zealand Cricket Board, Williamson made this decision to extend his international career. This announcement follows New Zealand’s poor performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, where they failed to advance past the group stages after defeats to the West Indies and Afghanistan.

“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,” read the statement from New Zealand cricket.

“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,” it added.

Meanwhile, Williamson clarified that his decision to step down as captain and decline a central contract does not indicate a waning interest in international cricket. However, he plans to pursue overseas opportunities during the New Zealand summer, which prevents him from accepting a central contract for the upcoming season. Additionally, Williamson mentioned that spending more time with his family has become a priority.

“Helping push the team forward across the formats is something I’m very passionate about and something I want to keep contributing towards. However, pursuing an overseas opportunity during the New Zealand summer means I’m unable to accept a central contract offer,” Williamson said.

“Playing for New Zealand is something I treasure, and my desire to give back to the team remains undiminished. My life outside cricket has changed however – spending more time with my family and enjoying experiences with them at home or abroad is something that’s even more important to me,” he added.

Notably, Lockie Ferguson has also chosen to decline a central contract from the New Zealand cricket board.