In the press conference after New Zealand’s consolation win over Papua New Guinea in ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, Kane Williamson was asked whether he would relinquish the captaincy. Williamson did not give a definite answer then. But a few days later, Williamson refused to accept the central contract for 2024-25 and stepped down as captain. While CEO Scott Weenink wants Williamson to continue play international cricket, the old horse has cited need to spend more time with family and opportunity to play franchise cricket as the reasons behind giving the leadership role months ahead of Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
"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. 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."
In 2022, the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) winning captain gave up the role in the longest format of the game in 2022.
Williamson’s achievements as white-ball captain
Williamson has led New Zealand in 91 ODIs. New Zealand have won 46 games under his captaincy in the 50-over format. His achievements include taking New Zealand to the final against England in ODI World Cup 2019 where they lost by the barest of margins. In the previous edition of ODI World Cup in India, New Zealand reached the semi-final where they lost to the hosts.
The 33-year-old has led New Zealand in 75 T20Is and registered wins in 39 of them. While the ICC trophy has eluded New Zealand in white-ball cricket, Williamson led the team to the semifinal in 2016 edition of T20 World Cup. In 2021, they lost to Australia in the final whereas in the 2022 edition the Kiwis lost to Pakistan in the semifinal.
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