### Kane Williamson Retires from T20 Internationals: A New Chapter for New Zealand Cricket Kane Williamson, the former captain of the New Zealand cricket team, announced his retirement from T20 International (T20I) cricket on November 2, 2025. This decision comes just months before the T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to take place in India and Sri Lanka. At 35 years old, Williamson has decided to focus on his career in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Test matches while continuing to participate in franchise T20 leagues abroad. His T20I career spanned 14 years, during which he played 93 matches, scoring 2,575 runs at an average of 33.44, making him New Zealand's second-highest run-scorer in this format. Under his leadership, the BlackCaps reached the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cups in 2016 and 2022, and were runners-up in 2021, marking a significant era in New Zealand cricket history [https://www.yardbarker.com/cricket/articles/3_players_who_can_replace_kane_williamson_in_nzs_t20i_squad_for_t20_world_cup_2026/s1_17726_43006595][https://www.financialexpress.com/sports/former-new-zealand-captain-kane-williamson-announces-t20i-retirement-with-immediate-effect/4029572]. ### Structure of the Response 1. **Retirement Announcement**: Overview of Williamson's retirement and its timing. 2. **Career Highlights**: Key statistics and achievements during his T20I career. 3. **Future Focus**: Williamson's plans moving forward in ODIs and Tests. 4. **Legacy and Impact**: The significance of his leadership and performance for New Zealand cricket. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Retirement Announcement**: Williamson stated, "It's the right time for myself and the team," emphasizing the need for clarity ahead of the T20 World Cup [https://www.financialexpress.com/sports/former-new-zealand-captain-kane-williamson-announces-t20i-retirement-with-immediate-effect/4029572]. - **Career Highlights**: - Matches Played: 93 - Total Runs: 2,575 - Average: 33.44 - Half-Centuries: 18 - Captaincy: Led the team in 75 matches [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/new-zealands-williamson-retires-twenty20-internationals-5440206][https://www.tbsnews.net/sports/new-zealand-great-williamson-retires-t20-internationals-1275121]. - **Future Focus**: Williamson will continue to play in ODIs and Tests, indicating his commitment to the longer formats of the game [https://www.insidesport.in/cricket/kane-williamson-retires-from-t20is-months-before-2026-world-cup]. - **Legacy and Impact**: His calm demeanor and leadership have inspired teammates, as noted by fellow cricketer Devon Conway, who praised Williamson's influence on the team [https://www.yardbarker.com/cricket/articles/devon_conway_pays_heartfelt_tribute_to_kane_williamson_as_he_announces_t20i_retirement/s1_17728_43002607]. ### Conclusion: A Transition in New Zealand Cricket **Kane Williamson's retirement from T20Is marks the end of a significant chapter in New Zealand cricket.** 1. **Retirement Announcement**: He has stepped away from T20Is to provide clarity for the team ahead of the World Cup. 2. **Career Highlights**: With impressive statistics and leadership, he leaves a legacy as one of New Zealand's greatest T20 players. 3. **Future Focus**: Williamson will continue to contribute to the team in ODIs and Tests, ensuring his experience remains valuable. 4. **Legacy and Impact**: His influence on the team and the sport will be felt for years to come, as he transitions to a new phase in his cricketing career [https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/kane-williamson-retires-from-t20is-bows-out-as-new-zealands-second-highest-mens-t20i-run-scorer-right-time-for-me-101762047678848.html].