Blackcaps batting star Kane Williamson has turned down a fulltime NZ Cricket contract, but insists he remains committed to the national team, despite their early exit from the T2 World Cup in West Indies and USA.
Williamson, 33, has opted for a casual deal that will allow him more flexibility over his appearances for the Blackcaps and domestic cricket. That decision will cost him the whiteball captaincy.
New Zealand's participation in the World Cup officially ended with a seven-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea, but was essentially over with earlier group defeats to Afghanistan and West Indies - their worst tournament showing in a decade.
Although they have qualified for the 2026 edition in India and Sri Lanka, several senior players must now be considering their availability, lured by retirement or lucrative professional T20 leagues around the world.
Fast-bowler Trent Boult, 34, has already confirmed he is as good as done with his country, reflecting on his final T20 World Cup appearance. He hasn't played the test format in two years, since turning down a fulltime NZ Cricket contract.
Williamson has been unable to commit to the next World Cup. Some of that may be from disappointment over this result, some may be the changing landscape of world cricket, some may be his hope to extend a career that has been stalled by recent injury.
"I don't know," he admitted. "There's a bit of time between now and then, so it's about regrouping as a side.
"We've got redball cricket over the next year basically, so it's back into some other international formats and we'll see where things land."
NZ Cricket has confirmed Williamson's new contract will allow him to take up overseas opportunities during January 2025, when very little international cricket has been scheduled in New Zealand.
"Helping push the team forward across the formats is something I’m very passionate about and something I want to keep contributing towards," said Williamson. "However, pursuing an overseas opportunity during the New Zealand summer means I'm unable to accept a central contract offer.
"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."
NZ Cricket Scott Weenink says Williamson has earned the chance to dictate his future priorities.
"This is a good way to help keep Kane in the international game, so he continues to play a major role for the Blackcaps, both now and in the years to come," he said. "We have very little international cricket in New Zealand through January and outside that period, he’s still available for the Blackcaps.
"I know it sounds a bit counterintuitive, but I'm very encouraged by this development."
Fast-bowler Lockie Ferguson, who made history with four maiden overs against PNG, has also indicated he will turn down a fulltime contract.
