New Zealand’s most prolific all-format run-scorer and widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest-ever batsers, Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect.
Williamson’s decision brings the curtain down on a remarkable 16-year international career, during which he represented New Zealand in 378 matches across formats. The 35-year-old finishes as New Zealand’s all-time leading international run-scorer with 19,346 runs, including 48 centuries and six double-centuries.
Having made his BLACKCAPS debut in 2010 and retired from T20 Internationals in November, Williamson said the time had come to step away from international cricket altogether.
“I’ve thought about it for a while, but over the last few days it’s become clear that now is the right time.
“I’ve always felt a strong drive and hunger for international cricket, and I take pride in knowing I gave it everything in every match I played for New Zealand.
“Continuing with anything less wouldn’t be right, and I feel fortunate to be able to step away on my own terms.
“I leave feeling optimistic about where this group is heading. There’s a huge amount of talent and a genuine desire to achieve something special with this New Zealand team.
“It’s a team I love, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of it for so long. It will always hold a special place in my heart.”
decorated skipper
Williamson’s legacy extends well beyond his batting achievements, with the right-hander also enjoying a highly successful stint as New Zealand captain across all three formats.
He led the BLACKCAPS in 40 Tests, recording 22 wins, 10 losses and eight draws, making him the country’s second-most successful Test captain behind Stephen Fleming’s 28 victories. In ODIs, Williamson captained New Zealand in 91 matches, winning 46, while his 39 victories from 75 T20Is remain the most by any New Zealand captain.
Under Williamson’s leadership, New Zealand enjoyed one of the most successful periods in its cricketing history. He guided the team to the semifinals of the 2016 T20 World Cup in India, the final of the 2019 Cricket World Cup in England, and memorably led the side to victory in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship final in 2021.
The BLACKCAPS also reached the final of the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE, the semifinals of the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, and the semifinals of the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India.
Individually, Williamson’s achievements earned him recognition as one of the game’s premier players. He was named Player of the Tournament at the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and ICC Test Player of the Year the same year.
Other records and accolades
In 2016, he became the fastest and youngest player in history to score centuries against all major Test-playing nations.
Sir Richard Hadlee Medal – 2015-16, 2016-17, 2019 and 2020
Scored a century on Test debut v India Ahmedabad 2010
Published on Jun 12, 2026
