Kane Williamson (Kane Williamson) announced on Wednesday (19 June) that he would not accept New Zealand Cricket's central contract for the 2024-25 season. Despite this decision, Williamson has confirmed his commitment to New Zealand Cricket, but has also decided to step down from the captaincy of the ODI and T20 International team.

Williamson has said that he is looking for an opportunity to play in overseas leagues during the New Zealand summer and during this time he will not be available to play for the New Zealand national team. Apart from that time frame, he will always be available to play for New Zealand.

“Helping the team progress across all formats is something I am very passionate about and I want to contribute to that,” Williamson said in a press release issued by New Zealand Cricket. “However, pursuing the opportunity to play in overseas leagues during the New Zealand summer means I am unable to accept the offer of a central contract.”

Williamson further said, “Playing for New Zealand is special for me and my desire to give something back to the team has not diminished yet. However Cricket My life outside the U.S. has changed — it's even more important to me to spend more time with my family and enjoy experiences with them at home or abroad.”

Let us tell you that under the captaincy of Williamson, the New Zealand team was eliminated from the group round of the T20 World Cup 2024. New Zealand performed brilliantly in the last few years under his captaincy. After Williamson's decision, New Zealand will now have to look for a new captain for the limited overs team. Williamson also left the captaincy of the Test team in 2022.

Apart from Williamson, fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has also indicated not to take the central contract.