Sun Nov 02 09:00:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing Kane Williamson’s T20I retirement:

Kane Williamson Retires from T20 Internationals, Focus Shifts to Test and ODI Cricket

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – In a move that will resonate with cricket fans worldwide, New Zealand’s star batsman Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from T20 International cricket. The 35-year-old’s decision comes just months before the 2026 T20 World Cup, marking the end of an era for New Zealand cricket.

Williamson, who debuted in T20Is in 2011, has played 93 matches in the format, amassing 2575 runs at an average of 33, including 18 half-centuries. He captained the Black Caps in 75 of those matches, leading them to two T20 World Cup semi-finals (2016 and 2022) and a final appearance in 2021.

“I’ve been fortunate to experience so much in T20 cricket, and I’ve relished every moment and experience I had,” Williamson said. “With the amount of cricket that is being played I felt this was the right time to prioritize other formats and spending time at home with my family.”

Williamson relinquished the white-ball captaincy to Mitchell Santner after New Zealand’s early exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup. The star player will now focus on Test and ODI cricket, and has expressed his desire to represent Northern Districts in the Plunket Shield match later this month. He is scheduled to play in the Test series against West Indies which is set to begin on December 2nd.

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