Get over it and get used to it.
That's the message to Kiwi cricket fans after news one of the country's greatest-ever players - Kane Williamson - has turned down a central contract from NZ Cricket for the upcoming season.
The move will see him relinquish the captaincy of the Blackcaps whiteball teams, but Williamson, 33, has made it clear he remains committed to NZC and could even feature at the next T20 World Cup in four years.
The forgettable occasion of a dead rubber victory over Papua New Guinea appear to be the final moments of Williamson's distinguished reign as captain of New Zealand.
"What we've got from Kane is a commitment to play for New Zealand for as long and as often as possible, so we actually see this as a very positive development," said NZ Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink.
"We will see him play for New Zealand for large parts of the year, so it's not the end of the world," said NZ Cricket Players Association chief executive Heath Mills. "I think it's a good outcome, given the circumstances."
Players offered central contracts by NZ Cricket must commit to being available for both the Blackcaps and the domestic Super Smash competition during the home summer.
“Playing for New Zealand is something I treasure and my desire to give back to the team remains undiminished," said Wiliamson. "However, pursuing an overseas opportunity during the New Zealand summer means I’m unable to accept a central contract offer."
Newshub understands Williamson will head for the South African T20 competition in the new year.
"World cricket is changing and changing dramatically, and we just need to continue to be dynamic with our contracting situation," said Weenink.
Pace-bowler Lockie Ferguson has also indicated he won’t accept a central contract offer when the contracting process opens.
The move follows the lead of Trent Boult and Jimmy Neesham, and there's a simple message for Kiwi cricket fans.
"Get over it and get used to it, absolutely," said former Blackcaps coach Mike Hesson. "It's going to happen more and that will provide more opportunities.
"NZ Cricket need to decide 'do we need that many national contracts?'"
In Williamson's case, it may not be forever.
NZ Cricket believes there's every chance he'll become a centrally contracted player again in the future, but it does leave them searching for a new captain - or captains - in whiteball cricket.
"I think, in T20, Mitch Santner's the guy who's got a really good understanding of that," said Hesson. "In one-day cricket, it's probably Tom Latham."
Williamson will speak upon his return from the World Cup, but for now, it's the beginning of the end of an era for one of our all-time greats.
