Kane Williamson surprised everyone in New Zealand cricket on Wednesday (June 19) by announcing that he will not accept a new central contract for the 2024-25 season. Although he is still committed to New Zealand cricket, he has decided to give up his role as captain.
The 33-year-old explained that he is taking a chance to play in a foreign league during the New Zealand summer, which means he won’t be able to play for the national team then. However, he assured that he will be ready to play for New Zealand at any other time.
Kane Williamson said,”I really care about helping the team improve in all types of games, and I want to keep doing that,” Williamson explained. “But, because I’m going to play somewhere else during our summer in New Zealand, I can’t take a main contract offer.
Williamson further added,”I really value playing for New Zealand, and I still want to help the team as much as I can. But my life outside of cricket has changed – spending more time with my family and having fun with them at home or on trips is now very important to me.”
Although New Zealand usually chooses players who have central contracts, they are ready to make an exception for Williamson, according to CEO Scott Weenink. Weenink said, “This helps keep Kane involved in international cricket, so he can keep playing a big part for the BLACKCAPS now and in the future.” He added, “We don’t have much international cricket in New Zealand in January, but Kane is still available for the team outside that time. Normally, we prefer to pick players with central contracts, but we’re willing to make an exception for our best-ever batter, especially since he’s still very dedicated to the team.”
Under Williamson’s leadership, New Zealand was eliminated in the first round of the current T20 World Cup, ending their successful streak in ICC white-ball tournaments in recent years. After this disappointing result, fast bowler Trent Boult declared that this T20 World Cup was his last. New Zealand now needs to find a new captain for their limited-overs games following Williamson’s decision. He had already given up the Test captaincy in 2022 and was only leading the team in limited-overs cricket.
In addition to the experienced batter, fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has also shown reluctance to sign the central contract. The final list of contracted players is expected to be announced next month.
