Black Caps superstar Kane Williamson has rejected a central contract for the 2024/25 season and relinquished the white-ball captaincy in a fresh blow for New Zealand Cricket.
On Wednesday morning, NZ Cricket confirmed the 33-year-old had declined a central contract to pursue other opportunities during the January 2025 window, allowing him to participate in overseas franchise leagues such as the SA20, ILT20 or Big Bash League.
New Zealand cricketers with a central contract are required to be available for all home internationals and the Super Smash, which occurs in January.
Williamson, who has represented the Black Caps 358 times, remains available for national selection outside that month and was open to the possibility of accepting a central contract offer in the future.
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“Helping push the team forward across the formats is something I’m very passionate about and something I want to keep contributing towards,” Williamson said in a statement.
“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.”
Black Caps fast bowler Lockie Ferguson also indicated he wouldn’t accept a central contract offer, NZC confirmed.
NZC chief executive Scott Weenink declared the move was beneficial for both sides as it would prolong Williamson’s career.
“This is a good way to help keep Kane in the international game so that he continues to play a major role for the Black Caps — both now and in the years to come,” Weenink said in a statement.
“We have very little international cricket in New Zealand through January and outside that period he’s still available for the Black Caps.
“NZC has a strong preference to select centrally contracted players for the Black Caps, however we’re happy to make an exception for our greatest ever batter – especially as he remains so committed to the team.
“I know it sounds a bit counterintuitive, but I’m very encouraged by this development.”
The development comes after New Zealand bowler Trent Boult was granted a release from his national contact two years ago to make himself available for domestic T20 leagues.
The left-armed quick has also almost exclusively represented New Zealand in ICC events since the bombshell move, while his most recent Test appearance was back in June 2022.
Williamson, who led New Zealand during the ongoing T20 World Cup in the West Indies and United States, is on the verge of replacing former teammate Ross Taylor as the nation’s leading run-scorer across formats.
The right-hander, who has captained the Black Caps all three formats, has scored 18,128 runs and struck 45 centuries since his international debut in 2010.