Desk Report:
New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from T20 international cricket. It is learned that he has taken this decision keeping in mind the needs of the team before next year’s T20 World Cup. Williamson is the second-highest run-scorer for New Zealand in this shortened version of cricket. He has scored 2575 runs in 93 matches. In these, he has scored 18 half-centuries at an average of 33.4. He captained New Zealand in the 2021 T20 World Cup final. Williamson batted in that match, which Australia lost by 8 wickets. He also led the Kiwi team to the semi-finals of the 2016 and 2022 World Cups. When Williamson signed a contingent contract with New Zealand Cricket he gave up the captaincy in both white-ball formats. So that he is called by the national team only when he wants to play. Last week, Williamson, 35, had confirmed that he had decided to reduce his international matches to devote more time to his family and focus more on his professional leagues. Regarding his retirement, Williamson said in a statement, “This is the right time for me and the team. This will give the team an opportunity to move forward more easily. Especially in view of the T20 World Cup to be held next year, the team needs to take many important decisions at this time. There are some T20 talents in the New Zealand team. This time is very important for them to improve themselves for the preparation of the World Cup. Williamson will not take part in the five-match T20 series against West Indies starting on Wednesday. He has also withdrawn his name from the ODI series to be held in 2017, although he has expressed his desire to play in the three-match Test series against the Caribbean team.
