In a shocking turn of events, talisman New Zealand batter Kane Williamson has elected to turn down a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) central contract, limiting his international involvement to just Test matches this upcoming summer for the BlackCaps.
Following an unsuccessful campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024, where NZ crashed out in the group stages, Williamson has relinquished captaincy in both the T20I and ODI formats.
NZC confirmed the news and said the 350 international-veteran had “re-emphasised his long-term commitment to the Black Caps in all three formats – despite declining a central contract for the 2024-25 year.”
The 33-year-old batter has been a pivotal figure in New Zealand cricket for over a decade, playing an instrumental role for his side through the years, helping them reach the semi-finals in seven out of the ten World Cups he has played for the Kiwis across both formats since 2011.
Williamson still remains available for the BLACKCAPS, who will play eight World Test Championship matches before Christmas and attend the ICC Champions Trophy tournament in Pakistan in February-March of 2025.
However, with legendary pacer Trent Boult having already announced his retirement from T20 World Cups, Williamson hinted at a possible changing of the guard within the team, and has now finally acted upon the same.
Williamson declining a central contract and taking up a casual contract means that he can represent New Zealand whilst being enabled to pick up overseas T20 franchise contracts as well.
The batter reemphasized that this was no sign of him stating his loss of interest in international cricket and also mentioned that he would be open to sign a central contract offer in the future.
“Helping push the team forward across the formats is something I’m very passionate about and something I want to keep contributing towards,” Williamson said.
“However, pursuing an overseas opportunity during the New Zealand summer means I’m unable to accept a central contract offer.
“Playing for New Zealand is something I treasure, and my desire to give back to the team remains undiminished.”
Pace bowler Ferguson has also indicated he won’t accept a central contract offer when the contracting process opens.
An announcement covering the final list of contract offers is likely next month.
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