In a shock move, Kane Williamson has elected to turn down a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) central contract.
The move is believed by both sides to be in the best interests of prolonging the 33-year-old’s career.
He will take up a casual playing contract that will enable Williamson the opportunity to take up overseas Twenty20 franchise contracts. It will also see Williamson relinquish captaincy of the Twenty20 and ODI sides.
NZC confirmed the news and said the 350 international-veteran had “re-emphasised his long-term commitment to the Black Caps in all three formats – despite declining a central contract for the 2024-25 year”.
With very little international cricket scheduled for January 2025, a casual contract will allow Williamson to explore other opportunities.
Outside of that month, he remains available for the Black Caps, who will play eight World Test Championship matches before Christmas and attend the ICC Champions Trophy tournament in Pakistan in February-March.
NZ Herald
Read more here. Discuss it on The BFD.
