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A day after he expressed uncertainty over his T20I future, Kane Williamson has stepped down as the captain of New Zealand’s white-ball format. Not just this, Williamson has also declined a central contract from the country’s board for the 2024-25 season on June 19, Wednesday.
Kane Williamson Has Declined The Central Contract
The New Zealand Cricket Board announced the decision of Kane Williamson on their official website. The board claimed that Williamson had made the call to re-emphasize his commitment to the national team despite declining the central contract.
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“Kane Williamson has re-emphasized his long-term commitment to the BLACKCAPS in all three formats – despite declining a central contract for the 2024-25 year.”
“The veteran of over 350 internationals will forgo a central contract and the captaincy of the BLACKCAPS white ball teams in a move he hopes will extend his international career.”
“The 33-year-old has opted to take advantage of a particular set of circumstances this summer in which very little international cricket is being played in New Zealand during the January window,” read the statement from New Zealand Cricket.
This decision from Kane Williamson came after New Zealand’s disastrous campaign at the T20 World Cup 2024 came to an end. The Blackcaps suffered defeats against the West Indies and Afghanistan and eventually exited the competition in the group stages.
Another reason for his declining the central contract is that the Kiwis play very little cricket in January and some youngsters give everything in all formats, therefore, Williamson doesn’t want to take the spot easily.
Williamson’s Statement On His Decision:
Speaking about his decision to not accept the central contract, Kane Williamson said that his decision shouldn’t be interpreted as him losing interest in international cricket. He revealed that he just wanted to push his team forward across the formats. He said:
“Helping push the team forward across the formats is something I’m very passionate about and something I want to keep contributing towards,”
He added: “However, pursuing an overseas opportunity during the New Zealand summer means I’m unable to accept a central contract offer.”
Further, Williamson also said that he wants to spend more time with his family and that is very important for him at the moment. He said:
“Playing for New Zealand is something I treasure, and my desire to give back to the team remains undiminished.”
“My life outside cricket has changed however – spending more time with my family and enjoying experiences with them at home or abroad is something that’s even more important to me.”
Apart from Kane Williamson, Lockie Ferguson has also declined the central contracts from the New Zealand cricket team.
