Top News

Big blow to New Zealand cricket: Kane Williamson retires from international cricket, announced during England Test series
Samira Vishwas | June 12, 2026 8:24 PM CST

Great batsman and former captain of New Zealand cricket kane williamson Has announced his retirement from international cricket. The 35-year-old star batsman has said goodbye to all forms of cricket with immediate effect. His decision has surprised the cricket world and fans.

Williamson has taken this decision amid the ongoing three-match Test series against England. Along with this, he will not take part in the remaining matches of the series. New Zealand Cricket Board may soon announce a new player in his place.

Announced his retirement with an emotional message

Announcing his retirement, Kane Williamson said that he had been considering this decision for some time.

He said,

“I have been thinking about this for some time, but in the last few days it has become very clear that this is the right time. The passion to play international cricket has always been within me. I am proud that I have given my best in every match I have played for New Zealand. Now I feel it is the right time to take a respectful departure.”

He also said that he considers himself lucky that he got the opportunity to say goodbye to cricket on his own terms.

A brilliant career of 16 years came to an end

Kane Williamson, who made his international debut in 2010, is among the most successful batsmen in New Zealand cricket history. In his 16 year long career, he took the team to new heights with the help of his batting, captaincy and leadership.

He scored a total for New Zealand 378 international matches Played and mixed all formats 19,346 runs Make it. their names 48 centuries And 103 half centuries Are registered.

Most successful batsman in test cricket

Kane Williamson is the highest run-scorer for New Zealand in Test cricket.

Their names:

  • 9,515 test runs
  • 33 test centuries
  • Record of New Zealand’s most successful test batsman

His technique, patience and consistency put him among the great batsmen of modern cricket.

Achieved historic success under captaincy

Williamson held the captaincy of the New Zealand team from 2016 to 2024. Under his leadership New Zealand achieved many historic achievements.

greatest achievement year First ICC World Test Championship (WTC) in 2021 Winning was achieved when New Zealand defeated India in the final and won the title.

Apart from this, the team under his captaincy:

  • Reached the 2019 ODI World Cup final
  • Reached the 2021 T20 World Cup final
  • Constantly included in the world’s top cricket teams

Also honored with individual awards

Kane Williamson received many prestigious honors for his brilliant performances.

Major Achievements:

  • ICC Test Player of the Year (2019)
  • 2019 ODI World Cup Player of the Tournament
  • One of the greatest players of New Zealand cricket of all time

The cricket world paid tribute

After the announcement of Kane Williamson’s retirement, cricketers, former players and fans from all over the world have wished him well. Thousands of messages are being shared on social media remembering his contribution.

Kane Williamson, known for his calm nature, excellent leadership and brilliant batting, has now said goodbye to international cricket, but his name will always be remembered with respect in cricket history.


READ NEXT
Cancel OK