“His decision marks the conclusion of a remarkable 16-year international career, during which he played 378 matches, set numerous batting records, and garnered the respect and admiration of the global cricket community,” stated New Zealand Cricket (NZC) in their official announcement.
They further noted, “The 35-year-old retires as New Zealand’s leading international run-scorer, amassing 19,346 runs, which include 48 centuries and six double-centuries.”
Williamson made his debut for New Zealand in 2010 and played a pivotal role in securing their historic victory in the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) in 2021 against India.
He also led the team to two consecutive ODI World Cup finals in 2015 and 2019, although they fell short on both occasions.
“I’ve been contemplating this for a while, but it’s become evident over the past few days that now is the right time. I’ve always had a strong passion for international cricket, and I take pride in knowing I gave my utmost in every match I played for New Zealand.
“Continuing in any capacity less than my best wouldn’t be right, and I feel fortunate to make this decision on my own terms.
“I leave with optimism about the direction this group is heading. There’s a tremendous amount of talent and a genuine desire to achieve something remarkable with this New Zealand team,” he remarked.
In Test cricket, Williamson participated in 110 matches, scoring 9,515 runs at an average approaching 55. He achieved 33 centuries and 38 half-centuries in the longest format, along with 15 three-figure scores in ODIs.
For several years, Williamson chose to bypass the rigid NZC contractual framework, opting instead for a more flexible approach that allowed him to prioritize his commitments in franchise cricket.
First Published: Jun 12, 2026 3:43 PM IST
