New Zealand legend Kane Williamson calls time on T20 International career

    New Zealand legend Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from T20 International cricket with immediate effect to focus on the other two formats of the game.

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    The 35-year-old steps away from the shortest format as New Zealand's second-highest men's T20I runs-scorer with 2575 runs at an average of 33 in 93 appearances, including 18 fifties with a highest score of 93.

    Williamson captained the Black Caps on 75 occasions leading them to two ICC T20 World Cup semi-finals (2016 & 2022) and a final (2021).

    He added that the timing felt right to step back from the shortest format in New Zealand colours and that the side is moving in the right direction under captain Mitch Santner.

    "It's something that I've loved being a part of for a long period of time and I'm so grateful for the memories and experiences," Williamson said.

    "It's the right time for myself and the team. It gives the team clarity for the series moving forward and ahead of their next major focus which is the T20 World Cup.

    "There's so much T20 talent there and the next period will be important to get cricket into these guys and get them ready for the World Cup.

    "Mitch is a brilliant captain and leader - he's really come into his own with this team. It's now their time to push the Black Caps forward in this format and I'll be supporting from afar."

    Williamson has not retired from ODIs but will skip the upcoming 50-over series at home against West Indies to focus on the Test matches that will follow in December.

    His next game will likely be a first-class fixture for domestic side Northern Districts in their Plunket Shield second round clash against Auckland starting on 26 November.

    New Zealand's all-time leading run-scorer across formats said he was open minded about his ODI and Test future.

    "I've got such deep care for this team," Williamson added. "The Black Caps is a special place and one you want to give yourself to and get the most out of yourself for.

    "It's a journey and a pursuit, and that's what I love about the international game and this environment.

    "I'll continue to keep the lines of communication open with (head coach) Rob (Walter) and NZC who have given me a huge amount of support throughout."