Veteran New Zealand batter Kane Williamson has stepped down as the captain of the New Zealand white-ball teams and he has also declined a central contract from the board for the 2024-25 season on June 19, Wednesday as well. The New Zealand Cricket Board announced his decision on their official website and said that the star batter made the call to prolong his international career as well.

The decision from Kane Williamson came after the Blackcaps’ poor campaign at the T20 World Cup 2024, where they saw an early exit from the competition in the group stages after suffering losses to the West Indies and Afghanistan. However, New Zealand played very little cricket at home during the 2024/25 season as well.

“Kane Williamson has re-emphasised his long-term commitment to the BLACKCAPS in all three formats – despite declining a central contract for the 2024-25 year. The veteran of over 350 internationals will forgo a central contract and the captaincy of the BLACKCAPS white ball teams in a move he hopes will extend his international career,” read the statement from New Zealand Cricket.

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“The 33-year-old has opted to take advantage of a particular set of circumstances this summer in which very little international cricket is being played in New Zealand during the January window,” it added.

However, Kane Williamson said that his decision shouldn’t be taken as him losing interest in international cricket and added that he is ready to accept a central contract in the future as well.

“Helping push the team forward across the formats is something I’m very passionate about and something I want to keep contributing towards,” he said. “However, pursuing an overseas opportunity during the New Zealand summer means I’m unable to accept a central contract offer.”

Kane Williamson also said that spending more time with his family is more important to him at the moment.

“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.”

Apart from Williamson, Lockie Ferguson has also declined a central contract from the New Zealand Cricket Board.