Kane Williamson Announces Retirement from T20 Internationals**

Christchurch: New Zealand cricket legend Kane Williamson announced his retirement from Twenty20 Internationals today, stating the decision provides crucial "clarity" for the team as they look ahead to next year's T20 World Cup.

The announcement comes one week after the 35-year-old confirmed he would be significantly reducing his international commitments to dedicate more time to his young family and explore opportunities in professional T20 leagues globally.

Departing as a T20 Titan

Williamson steps away from the shortest format as New Zealand's second-highest run-scorer, tallying 2,575 runs from 93 matches at a strong average of 33.4, including 18 half-centuries.

His legacy in T20I cricket is defined by his leadership. Williamson captained the Black Caps to the final of the 2021 T20 World Cup—where he scored a valiant 85 in a losing effort against Australia—and guided the team to semi-final appearances in both the 2016 and 2022 tournaments.

"It's the right time for myself and the team," Williamson said in a statement. "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."

Focus Shifts to Longer Formats

The announcement confirms that Williamson will not feature in the upcoming home T20 series against the West Indies, nor the subsequent ODI series.

However, the batting maestro has assured fans that his focus will now sharpen on Test cricket. He remains available for the three-Test series against the West Indies in December, where he will aim to add to his New Zealand-record of 9,276 runs in the longest format.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) Chief Executive Scott Weenink emphasized the organization's support for the veteran's choices. "We’ve made it clear to Kane he has our full support as he reaches the back end of his illustrious career," Weenink said, adding that Williamson has "earned the right" to determine his own schedule under a new "casual" contract with NZC.

"Whenever he does decide to finally call time, he will go down as a legend of New Zealand cricket," Weenink concluded. (NewsCenter)