The announcement follows New Zealand's disappointing T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, where they failed to reach the semi-finals at the Men's World Cup for the first time since 2014.
"Helping to grow the team across all formats is something I am very passionate about and I want to continue to contribute," NZC quoted Williamson as saying. However, pursuing an overseas opportunity during the New Zealand summer means I am unable to. To accept a central contract offer."
However, Williamson will be available for New Zealand, who will play eight World Test Championship matches before Christmas and the ICC Champions Trophy tournament in Pakistan in February–March.Despite rejecting a central contract, the veteran of over 350 international caps said he is open to potentially accepting a central contract offer in the future.
"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 said.
The 33-year-old player has 165 ODI caps and 93 T20 caps. He led New Zealand in 40 Tests, 91 ODIs and 75 T20Is – a journey that included victory in the World Test Championship 2021, the 2019 ODI World Cup final and the T20 World Cup 2021 final.He also played his 100th Test earlier this year.
NZC CEO Scott Weenink said Williamson was a great New Zealand player who 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.
"We have very little international cricket in New Zealand until January and outside that period he is still available to the BLACKCAPS. NZC has a strong preference to select centrally contracted players for the BLACKCAPS, however, we are looking forward to seeing our greatest Happy to make an exception for any batsman - especially when he is so committed to the team.
"I know it sounds a little counterintuitive, but I'm very encouraged by this development," Weenink said.,
Additionally, fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has also indicated that he will not accept the offer of a central contract once the contract process begins.
The final list of central contract proposals is likely to be released next month.
"Helping to grow the team across all formats is something I am very passionate about and I want to continue to contribute," NZC quoted Williamson as saying. However, pursuing an overseas opportunity during the New Zealand summer means I am unable to. To accept a central contract offer."
However, Williamson will be available for New Zealand, who will play eight World Test Championship matches before Christmas and the ICC Champions Trophy tournament in Pakistan in February–March.Despite rejecting a central contract, the veteran of over 350 international caps said he is open to potentially accepting a central contract offer in the future.
"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 said.
The 33-year-old player has 165 ODI caps and 93 T20 caps. He led New Zealand in 40 Tests, 91 ODIs and 75 T20Is – a journey that included victory in the World Test Championship 2021, the 2019 ODI World Cup final and the T20 World Cup 2021 final.He also played his 100th Test earlier this year.
NZC CEO Scott Weenink said Williamson was a great New Zealand player who 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.
"We have very little international cricket in New Zealand until January and outside that period he is still available to the BLACKCAPS. NZC has a strong preference to select centrally contracted players for the BLACKCAPS, however, we are looking forward to seeing our greatest Happy to make an exception for any batsman - especially when he is so committed to the team.
"I know it sounds a little counterintuitive, but I'm very encouraged by this development," Weenink said.,
Additionally, fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has also indicated that he will not accept the offer of a central contract once the contract process begins.
The final list of central contract proposals is likely to be released next month.
