New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has stepped down from T20 captaincy following the Kiwis’ premature exit from the T20 World Cup 2024. The 33-year-old also declined a central contract for the 2024-25 season.
The 33-year-old expressed his desire to participate in overseas tournaments during the New Zealand summer, considering his role in helping the Black Caps push across the formats.
“Helping push the team forward across the formats is something I’m very passionate about and something I want to keep contributing towards…” he said.
New Zealand has a short international summer, with England touring in November for three Tests at Christchurch, Wellington, and Hamilton. With Williamson set to miss the tour for franchise competitions, the NZC board will have to develop a transitional or interim skipper.
“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.”
Having contributed so much to New Zealand’s cricket, the board respects Williamson’s decision and is happy to go out of the way for him.
“NZC has a strong preference to select centrally contracted players for the Black Caps, however, we’re happy to make an exception for our greatest ever batter – especially as he remains so committed to the team,” NZC chief executive Scott Weenink told NZC.NZ
“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,” Scott added. 
Pace bowler Lockie Ferguson has also stated that he will decline a central contract offer when the contracting process begins.
