Double blow for New Zealand, Kane Williamson quits captaincy and rejects central contract

New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson has turned down a central contract for the 2024-25 year but has emphasized his long-term commitment to the Blackcaps. New Zealand Cricket on Wednesday released a statement to confirm that the veteran batsman has opted not to sign a central contract for the 2024-25 season. Speculation has increased around Williamson’s future after New Zealand suffered heartbreak following an early exit from the ongoing T20 World Cup.

With 358 appearances for the Kiwis under his belt in his decorated career, the 33-year-old has opted out of the contract list and white-ball captaincy in a bid to extend his international career.

“Helping to drive the team forward across all formats is something I am very passionate about and want to continue contributing to. However, pursuing an opportunity overseas during the New Zealand summer means I cannot accept a central contract offer. ” Williamson was quoted as saying in a New Zealand Cricket statement.

New Zealand’s schedule for the 2024-25 season will not be hectic as the Kiwis have minimum bilateral series commitments until the January window.

But Williamson will remain available for the eight World Test Championship matches New Zealand will play in a bid to once again contest the final, which will be played next year at Lord’s in June.

In late November, New Zealand will play the first Test of the three-match series against England at home.

But before they embark on their WTC journey, Williamson is pleased to find a way to balance his personal and professional life while continuing to strive to play for his nation.

“Playing for New Zealand is something I value, and my desire to give back to the team remains unchanged. My life outside of cricket, however, has changed – spending more time with my family and enjoying experiences with them at home or abroad is something I It’s even more important to me,” he added.

NZC CEO Scott Weenink recognized Williamson’s contributions and felt his experienced star had earned the right to take time off to pursue other goals, which included family-oriented priorities.

“This is a good way to help keep Kane in the international game, so that he continues to play an important role for the BLACKCAPS – both now and in the years to come. We have very little international cricket in New Zealand until January, and outside in that period it will still be available for BLACKCAPS,” said Weenink.

“NZC has a strong preference for selecting centrally contracted players for the BLACKCAPS, however, we are happy to make an exception for our best batsman of all time – especially as he remains so committed to the team. I know it seems a bit against -intuitive, but I am very encouraged by this development,” he added.

New Zealand concluded their T20 World Cup campaign with a convincing 7-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea.

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