New Zealand’s record run-scorer Kane Williamson has retired from international cricket with immediate effect, cutting short his participation in the ongoing three-Test series in England.
The 35-year-old batsman made the decision following New Zealand's defeat in the opening Test at Lord's, opting out of the remaining fixtures at The Oval and Trent Bridge.
Williamson had already relinquished his central contract in June 2024 to balance franchise commitments, having previously retired from T20Is last November.
"Over the last few days it's become clear now is the right time," Williamson said in a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) statement. "I feel fortunate to step away on my own terms."
Williamson concludes a legendary 16-year career as New Zealand’s most prolific Test batsman, accumulating 9,515 runs at an average of 54.06 in 110 matches. He also scored 7,256 ODI runs and 2,575 T20I runs.
The undisputed pinnacle of his career came in 2021, when he captained New Zealand to victory over India in the inaugural World Test Championship final.
Under his leadership, New Zealand also reached the final of the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2021 T20 World Cup.
Williamson will now transition fully into franchise cricket and backend roles, having already signed as a strategic advisor for the IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants.