• Sportzyverse
• Cricket news
• 06/19/2024
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Kane Williamson, New Zealand’s current T20I and ODI captain, has declined a central contract for 2024-25 and will step down from white-ball captaincy to extend his international career. In a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) release, Williamson expressed his passion for contributing to the team’s progress but stated an overseas opportunity during the New Zealand summer as the reason for not accepting the contract.

– Kane Williamson declined the Central contract.
– Trent Boult declined the Central contract.
– Lockie Ferguson declined the Central contract.

A new change in World Cricket…!!!! pic.twitter.com/Hd3MAEYeXw

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 19, 2024

New Zealand’s cricket schedule includes limited home matches this season, particularly in January. They will play eight Tests, including a tour of India and a three-match home series against England before Christmas. Williamson, 33, had previously relinquished the Test captaincy, with Tim Southee appointed his successor.

Despite forgoing the central contract, Williamson emphasized his commitment to New Zealand cricket and remained open to accepting a contract in the future. He also stated the importance of balancing his cricket career with spending time with his family and experiencing life outside cricket.

New Zealand Fall Short to Even Enter the Semi-Finals in T20 World Cup 2024

Williamson’s announcement follows New Zealand’s disappointing T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, where they missed the semi-finals for the first time since 2014. When asked about his T20I future, Williamson’s reply seemed uncertain, leaving his involvement in the 2026 T20 setup doubtful.

Williamson, who played his 100th Test earlier this year, has 165 ODI caps and 93 T20I caps. His leadership record includes 40 Tests, 91 ODIs, and 75 T20Is, highlighted by finals appearances in the World Test Championship 2021 (which they won), the ODI World Cup 2019, and the T20 World Cup 2021.

Also read New Zealand’s Trent Boult announce retirement from T20I cricket

January 2025 will see a clash of T20 leagues, including the UAE’s ILT20, South Africa’s SA20, Australia’s BBL, and Bangladesh’s BPL. The ICC Champions Trophy is set to start on February 19 in Pakistan.

Apart from that, NZC CEO Scott Weenink acknowledged Williamson’s contributions and supported his decision, noting that this arrangement helps keep Williamson in the international game. Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, 33, has also indicated he won’t accept a central contract, having concluded the T20 World Cup with historical figures of 4-4-0-3 against Papua New Guinea (PNG).