New Zealand cricket legend Kane Williamson has officially announced his retirement from T20 international cricket, just four months before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The longtime captain of the Blackcaps revealed his decision on November 2. Confirming that he will continue playing Test and One Day International (ODI) cricket for New Zealand.
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Williamson leaves the T20 format as New Zealand’s all-time leading run-scorer, having accumulated 2,575 runs in 93 matches. A key figure in the team for over a decade, he had gradually reduced his involvement in the shortest format following the 2024 T20 World Cup.
With his departure, leadership duties will now fall to Mitchell Santner, who is expected to guide a younger generation of Kiwi players in the coming years. Out of his 93 T20I appearances, Williamson captained the team in 75 matches. Becoming one of New Zealand’s most influential leaders.
Under his captaincy, the Blackcaps reached new heights in T20 cricket. Qualifying for the World Cup semifinals in 2016 and 2022. And reaching the final in 2021, where they narrowly missed the title. Though a world title in the format eluded him, Williamson’s leadership, calm demeanor, and tactical intelligence were widely praised by teammates and fans alike.
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T20 World Cup: Mitchell Santner Set to Lead a New Generation of Blackcaps
In his farewell statement, Williamson said that he felt the timing was right to step away from the shortest form of the game. He explained that his decision was made with the team’s future in mind. Providing clarity and space for the next generation to prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026. It will be hosted by India in February and March.
It’s something that I’ve loved being part of for a long time, and I’m so grateful for the memories and experiences, Williamson said. It’s the right time for me and the team. It gives the group clarity moving forward, ahead of their next major goal, the T20 World Cup.
There’s so much young talent coming through, and the upcoming period will be crucial to give these players more experience and get them ready for the tournament. Mitch [Santner] is a brilliant captain and leader. He’s really come into his own with this team. It’s their time now to push the Blackcaps forward, and I’ll be cheering from afar.
While New Zealand prepares for a new chapter, neighboring Australia has also announced its 14-member T20 squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand. The squad sees the return of Marcus Stoinis, Mitch Owen, Matthew Short, and Xavier Bartlett.
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T20 World Cup Final: Australia Names Squad for New Zealand T20 Series
All of whom are eager to stake their claim for a spot in the T20 World Cup 2026, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The Australian squad will be led by Mitchell Marsh. With other key players including Glenn Maxwell, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, and Adam Zampa. The full squad is as follows.
Mitchell Marsh (captain), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis. Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa.
The 36-year-old Marcus Stoinis is returning to international action despite not holding a central or state contract over the past year. He last played for Australia in November 2024 and had earlier retired from ODIs in February 2025.
However, Stoinis has remained active on the global T20 circuit, performing strongly for the Punjab Kings in the IPL. And the Trent Rockets in The Hundred, helping both teams reach their respective finals. Stoinis faces tough competition for a middle-order all-rounder role. With players like Cameron Green, Tim David, and Mitch Owen also in contention.
Green, however, will miss the New Zealand series to focus on domestic Sheffield Shield cricket ahead of the Ashes at home. Meanwhile, Owen returns after recovering from a concussion. That ruled him out of the final T20I and ODI series against South Africa.
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