June 19, 2024 – Kane Williamson has stepped down as New Zealand captain after the Kiwis failed to qualify for the Super 8 round in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Williamson has also declined the national contract for the 2024/25 season.
Kane Williamson Stepped Down as New Zealand Captain
In 2024 T20 World Cup, New Zealand managed to register only two victories out of their four group-stage matches and got eliminated after Afghanistan and West Indies qualified for the Super 8 round from the group.
Under Williamson, New Zealand managed to enter the semi-final round of the previous three T20 World Cups(2022, 2021, 2016). In 2021, New Zealand qualified for the T20 WC 2021 Final but ultimately lost the game by 8 wickets against Australia.
Notably, In December 2022, Kane Williamson stepped down as New Zealand test captain after winning the ICC World Test Championship 2021 Final.
However, he has opted to take up a contract outside of New Zealand in January, meaning he will be unavailable for part of the home summer.
“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.
My life outside cricket has changed however – spending more time with my family and enjoying experiences with them at home or abroad is something that’s even more important to me”, Kane Williamson said in a statement.
Williamson’s likely destination in January is a T20 franchise league, with competitions running in several countries including Australia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
NZC said Williamson would be available for eight tests leading into Christmas and the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan in February-March.
The board said Williamson’s decision to opt out of a contract would not hurt his chances of selection, a departure from its usual policy which favours contracted players.
“We’re happy to make an exception for our greatest ever batter especially as he remains so committed to the team. This is a good way to help keep Kane in the international game so that he continues to play a major role for the Black Caps both now and in the years to come”, said NZC CEO Scott Weenink.
Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has also indicated that he won’t be accepting a central contract offer.
He signed off from the T20 World Cup with figures of 4-4-0-3 against PNG, becoming only the second bowler – and the first in T20 World Cups – to bowl four maidens in a men’s T20I. Ferguson has played a Test, 65 ODIs and 42 T20Is.
