New Zealand`s veteran batsman Kane Williamson on Sunday announced his retirement from his T20I career, just a few days before the five-match series against the West Indies.
He represented the “Black Caps” in 93 T20I matches and was recently appointed the strategic advisor for the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the 2026 edition.
Following his retirement, he was not included in the 14-member squad for the T20I series against the West Indies. The first match of the series is scheduled to be played on November 5 at the Eden Park in Auckland.
He concluded his shortest format career with 2575 runs with a top score of 95. He also had 18 half-centuries in the format. He is also New Zealand`s second-highest run-scorer in T20I with an average of 33.44.
The official social media handle of New Zealand cricket shared a post expressing gratitude towards Williamson. “Kane Williamson has called time on his 93-game T20 International career. Thank you for everything you gave the team in the shortest format,” read the post`s caption.
Kane Williamson has called time on his 93-game T20 International career.
Thank you for everything you gave the team in the shortest format 🖤🤍
Full story at https://t.co/itPtNwMPLK
📸 @PhotosportNZ pic.twitter.com/wzXz6MuWOF
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 1, 2025
Williamson will also miss the ensuing ODI series to focus on the three Tests against the Caribbean side.
“It`s (playing T20Is) something that I`ve loved being a part of for a long period of time and I`m so grateful for the memories and experiences,” Williamson told New Zealand Cricket (NZC).
“It`s the right time for myself and the team. It gives the team clarity for the series moving forward and ahead of their next major focus which is the T20 World Cup. There`s so much T20 talent there and the next period will be important to get cricket into these guys and get them ready for the World Cup,” he added.
The 35-year-old cricketer is expected to continue playing franchise cricket around the world.
New Zealand coach Rob Walter praised Williamson`s leadership qualities.
“His contribution to the team in this format has been immense, both in terms of his runs and leadership,” said Walter.
“To have captained the T20 side in 75 of his 93 games gives an indication of his influence and service to the side,” he added.
(With PTI Inputs)