New Zealand's second-highest run-scorer Kane Williamson retires from T20Is

 New Zealand's second-highest run-scorer in men's T20Is has announced his international retirement from the shortest format.

Great Kane Williamson has announced he will retire from T20I cricket with immediate effect.

Williamson retires having played 93 T20I matches for the Black Caps and having scored more than 2500 runs in the shortest format.

The New Zealand legend will continue to play Test and ODI cricket for the Kiwis.

Williamson's last T20I was at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2024 against Papua New Guinea, and will not be considered for the Black Caps' T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in India and Sri Lanka.

Williamson made his T20I debut in 2011 and led the Black Caps on 75 occasions, taking them to two T20 World Cup semi-finals (2016 and 2022) and a final in 2021.

His innings of 85 in the 2021 decider against Australia remains the highest score by a captain in any edition of the Men's T20 World Cup.

The 35-year-old said the timing was right to take the step back.

“It’s something that I’ve loved being a part of for a long period of time and I’m so grateful for the memories and experiences,” Williamson said on Sunday.

“It’s the right time for myself and the team. It gives the team clarity for the series moving forward and ahead of their next major focus which is the T20 World Cup.

“There’s so much T20 talent there and the next period will be important to get cricket into these guys and get them ready for the World Cup.

“Mitch (Santner) is a brilliant captain and leader - he’s really come into his own with this team.

“It’s now their time to push the Black Caps forward in this format and I’ll be supporting from afar.”

Williamson will instead focus his preparations on New Zealand's three-Test series with the West Indies in December and will remain open minded on any decision on his future at Test and ODI level.

“I’ve got such deep care for this team,” Williamson added.

“The Black Caps is a special place and one you want to give yourself to and get the most out of yourself for. It’s a journey and a pursuit, and that’s what I love about the international game and this environment.

“I’ll continue to keep the lines of communication open with Rob (coach Rob Walter) and NZC who have given me a huge amount of support throughout.”