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Sport Nation
Blackcaps great Kane Williamson retires from international cricket
Sport Nation • June 12th, 2026 10:10 pm
Kane Williamson | Photo: Photosport
Kane Williamson has called time on one of New Zealand cricket’s greatest careers, confirming his immediate retirement from international cricket.
The 35-year-old departs as the country’s leading run scorer in all formats of the game - totalling 19,346 runs across 378 matches in a 16-year career that redefined batting consistency and leadership for the Blackcaps.
Williamson’s legacy extends well beyond the numbers. As captain from 2016 to 2024, he guided New Zealand through a golden period that included two ICC World Cup Final appearances and victory in the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021.
Kane Williamson holds the World Test champions Mace surrounded by his Blackcaps teammates | Photo: Matthew Impey/Photosport
Having already stepped away from T20 internationals in November, Williamson said the decision to retire fully had been building.
“I’ve thought about it for a while, but over the last few days it’s become clear now is the right time," Williamson said.
“I’ve always felt a strong drive and hunger for international cricket, and I take pride in knowing I’ve given it my all in every match I’ve played for New Zealand.
“Continuing with anything less wouldn’t be right and I feel fortunate 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 real desire to do 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 continue to be dear to my heart.”
Kane Williamson brings up his 33rd Test century for NZ | Sport Nation
Strong with bat in hand and known to hold the fort when an innings was looking shaky for the Blackcaps, Williamson received high praise from another icon of NZ cricket who was more renowned for getting batters out - Sir Richard Hadlee.
“Kane’s been a wonderful player and has been a fine leader,” Hadlee said.
“He's demonstrated a willingness to continually advance his game to the highest level in all three formats and he rightfully finishes as one of the best players of his era.
“The way he prepared himself physically and mentally was perhaps the most impressive part. He was always committed to working hard and developing his technique to ensure he was ready to be a world class player.
“He’s been an unflappable leader and the architect of some of our greatest moments in cricket.
“I commend him and thank him for everything he has contributed to cricket and wish him a happy retirement.”
Williamson's retirement will see him take no further part in the Blackcaps' current Test series in England, with a replacement yet to be named by coach Rob Walter.
Kane Williamson reflects on his 16-year career | Sport Nation
Kane Williamson - New Zealand men’s records
- Most international runs (19,346)
- Most international centuries (48)
- Most international double-centuries (6)
- Sixth most international appearances (378)
- Most Test runs (9,515)
- Most Test centuries (33)
- Third most Test appearances (110)
- Fourth most ODI runs (7,256)
- Fourth most ODI centuries (14)
- Second most T20I runs (2575)
- Highest Test average 54.06 (min 20 games)
- Second highest ODI average 48.69 (min 20 games)
- Third highest T20I average 33 (min 5 games)
- Fourth most international catches (217)
- Equal most test wins (47), with Tom Latham and Tim Southee
- First to score centuries in four consecutive Test matches
