BIG JOLT to international cricket! Kane Williamson DECLINES to sign contract with New Zealand

The New Zealand cricket team went through a disaster as they failed to reach into the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. The Blackcaps are yet to win an ICC title, and their dusty cabinet has to wait for long to secure one for themselves. As they exit from the T20 World Cup, a major overhaul was expected after their constant failures in the ICC competitions and tournaments. Kane Williamson's status as a skipper was seen to be in doubt, but the star-batter made a shocking move to forego captaincy. Not only did he step down as the captain, but Williamson also re-emphasized his commitment towards the national side.

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Kane Williamson declines central contract with New Zealand cricket, forgoes white-ball captaincy

After the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, New Zealand veteran Kane Williamson has rekindled his status in the national side. The star-batter for the Blackcaps and IPL's Gujarat Titans has officially declined a central contract with the Blackcaps for the 2024-25 season. As a result, the 33-year-old Williamson will forgo white-ball captaincy, but the famed cricketer remains committed to his team. Williamson insisted that his choice shouldn't be seen as an indication that he was no longer interested in playing for the national team. On the flip side, he did not close the door on taking a central contract offer down the road.

“Helping push the team forward across the formats is something I’m very passionate about and something I want to keep contributing towards. 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,” Williamson said as quoted by New Zealand Cricket.

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Apart from Kane Williamson, pace bowler Lockie Ferguson has also stated that he isn't going to embrace a central contract offer when the contracting procedure begins.