Williamson retires from international cricket after illustrious 16-year career

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Jun 12, 2026

Kane Williamson has announced his immediate retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned nearly 16 years and 378 matches across formats.

The 35-year-old's decision comes during New Zealand's ongoing Test tour of England, with the Lord's Test now confirmed as his final appearance for the Black Caps. He will take no further part in the series.

‘I've always felt a strong drive and hunger for international cricket, and I take pride in knowing I've given it my all in every match I've played for New Zealand,' Williamson said in a statement released by New Zealand Cricket.

Williamson leaves the game as New Zealand's leading run-scorer across formats, amassing 19,346 runs and 48 centuries. He scored 9,515 runs in 110 Tests at an average of 54.06, including 33 centuries, while also making 7,256 runs in 175 ODIs at an average of 48.69.

Having made his international debut against India in 2010, Williamson established himself as one of the finest batters of his generation and one of New Zealand's greatest-ever players.

As captain, he led New Zealand to the finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2021 T20 World Cup, but his crowning achievement came in 2021 when he guided the side to victory in the inaugural World Test Championship final against India.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter described Williamson as an "incredible player, awesome teammate and wonderful leader", while former captain Richard Hadlee hailed him as one of the best players of his era and the architect of some of the country's greatest moments in cricket.

Williamson retires as New Zealand's sixth-most capped men's player, a four-time Sir Richard Hadlee Medal winner and the recipient of the ICC Men's Test Player of the Year award in 2019.

His retirement also means he will not feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

New Zealand are expected to announce a replacement for the remainder of the England Test tour ahead of the second Test at The Oval.