Wellington [New Zealand], New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson rejected a central contract for the year 2024-25 but stressed his long-term commitment to the Blackcaps.
New Zealand Cricket issued a statement on Wednesday confirming that the veteran batsman has opted out of the central contract for the 2024-25 season.
There was speculation about Williamson's future after New Zealand's early exit from the ongoing T20 World Cup.
The 33-year-old player, who played 358 matches for the Kiwis in his career, decided to step down from the contract list and white-ball captaincy to pursue his international career.
“Helping to take the team forward across all formats is something I am very passionate about and something I want to continue to contribute towards.However, pursuing overseas opportunities during the New Zealand summer means I am unable to accept the offer of a central contract," Williamson said in a statement from New Zealand Cricket.
New Zealand's schedule for the 2024-25 season will not be hectic as the Kiwis have minimal bilateral series commitments till the January window.
But Williamson will be available for the eight World Test Championship matches, with New Zealand bidding to once again make the final, to be played at Lord's in June next year.
At the end of November, New Zealand will play the first Test of the three-match series against England on home soil.
But before starting his WTC journey, Williamson is happy to have found a way to balance his personal and professional life as he continues to strive to play for his country."Playing for New Zealand is something I cherish and my desire to give back to the team has not diminished. However my life outside cricket has changed - spending more time with my family and traveling home or abroad Enjoying experiences with them is something that is even more important to me," he added.
NZC CEO Scott Weenink acknowledged Williamson's contributions and felt that his veteran star had earned the right to take some time off to pursue other goals, including family-oriented priorities.
“This is a great way to help keep Kane in the international game so he can continue to play a major role for the Blackcaps – now and for years to come. We've had very little international cricket in New Zealand and beyond since January in that period. He is still available for the Blackcaps," Weenink said."NZC has a strong preference for selecting centrally contracted players for the Blackcaps, however, we are happy to make an exception for our greatest batsman – especially since he is so committed to the team. I know it sounds a bit counterintuitive But I am very encouraged by this development,” he said.
New Zealand concluded their T20 World Cup campaign with an impressive 7-wicket win over Papua New Guinea.
New Zealand Cricket issued a statement on Wednesday confirming that the veteran batsman has opted out of the central contract for the 2024-25 season.
There was speculation about Williamson's future after New Zealand's early exit from the ongoing T20 World Cup.
The 33-year-old player, who played 358 matches for the Kiwis in his career, decided to step down from the contract list and white-ball captaincy to pursue his international career.
“Helping to take the team forward across all formats is something I am very passionate about and something I want to continue to contribute towards.However, pursuing overseas opportunities during the New Zealand summer means I am unable to accept the offer of a central contract," Williamson said in a statement from New Zealand Cricket.
New Zealand's schedule for the 2024-25 season will not be hectic as the Kiwis have minimal bilateral series commitments till the January window.
But Williamson will be available for the eight World Test Championship matches, with New Zealand bidding to once again make the final, to be played at Lord's in June next year.
At the end of November, New Zealand will play the first Test of the three-match series against England on home soil.
But before starting his WTC journey, Williamson is happy to have found a way to balance his personal and professional life as he continues to strive to play for his country."Playing for New Zealand is something I cherish and my desire to give back to the team has not diminished. However my life outside cricket has changed - spending more time with my family and traveling home or abroad Enjoying experiences with them is something that is even more important to me," he added.
NZC CEO Scott Weenink acknowledged Williamson's contributions and felt that his veteran star had earned the right to take some time off to pursue other goals, including family-oriented priorities.
“This is a great way to help keep Kane in the international game so he can continue to play a major role for the Blackcaps – now and for years to come. We've had very little international cricket in New Zealand and beyond since January in that period. He is still available for the Blackcaps," Weenink said."NZC has a strong preference for selecting centrally contracted players for the Blackcaps, however, we are happy to make an exception for our greatest batsman – especially since he is so committed to the team. I know it sounds a bit counterintuitive But I am very encouraged by this development,” he said.
New Zealand concluded their T20 World Cup campaign with an impressive 7-wicket win over Papua New Guinea.
