Kane Williamson, the former captain of the New Zealand cricket team, has announced his retirement from all international cricket with immediate effect. The decision, confirmed on June 12, 2026, ends a distinguished career that spanned over a decade.
Williamson, 35, is widely regarded as one of the finest batsmen of his generation. He led New Zealand to the 2021 ICC World Test Championship title and was a key figure in their runner-up finishes in the 2015 and 2019 Cricket World Cups. His career includes over 8,000 Test runs and more than 6,000 ODI runs.
In a statement, Williamson expressed gratitude to teammates, coaches, and fans. He cited a desire to focus on family and new opportunities as reasons for his retirement. No further details on his future plans were provided.