Wellington, 12 June (H.S.): New Zealand’s legendary batter and one of the country’s highest run-scorers in international cricket, Kane Williamson, announced on Friday his immediate retirement from international cricket, ending a remarkable 16-year career.

The 35-year-old Williamson featured in 378 international matches across all formats, scoring 19,346 runs. His career tally includes 48 centuries and six double centuries, making him one of the most prolific batters of his generation.

Having made his international debut in 2010, Williamson had earlier retired from T20 International cricket and has now stepped away from all forms of international cricket.

In his retirement statement, Williamson said he had given the decision considerable thought and had come to the conclusion that now was the right time. He said he had always carried a strong passion and hunger for international cricket and expressed pride in having given his best in every match for New Zealand.

He added that continuing without the same level of commitment and energy would not be appropriate, and that he considered himself fortunate to retire on his own terms. Williamson said he was hopeful for the team’s future, noting that the group possessed significant talent and a genuine desire to achieve great success.

He further described the team as one that he deeply loved, stating that being part of it for so long had been a privilege and that it would always remain close to his heart.

### Captaincy legacy

Williamson also leaves behind an outstanding leadership record. In Test cricket, he captained New Zealand in 40 matches, securing 22 victories, making him the country’s second-most successful Test captain. In One Day Internationals, he led in 91 matches, winning 46, while in T20 Internationals he captained 75 matches and secured 39 wins, making him New Zealand’s most successful T20I captain.

### Major achievements

* Semi-finalist: 2016 T20 World Cup

* Finalist: 2019 Cricket World Cup

* Winner: 2021 ICC World Test Championship

* Finalist: 2021 T20 World Cup

* Semi-finalist: 2022 T20 World Cup

* Semi-finalist: 2023 Cricket World Cup

### Individual accolades

Williamson was named Player of the Tournament at the 2019 Cricket World Cup and ICC Test Cricketer of the Year the same year. He is among the fastest and youngest batters to score centuries against all major Test-playing nations, a four-time recipient of the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal, and marked his debut in 2010 with a century against India in Ahmedabad.

With his retirement, one of the most successful and respected chapters in New Zealand cricket history comes to a close.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar