Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, who has a contingent contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC), spoke about his international future with the Black Caps. According to ESPNcricinfo, Williamson said he would consider his future with the national Test team on a “series-by-series” basis.
Williamson can decide when and where he will represent New Zealand. He no longer needs to be available for every assignment. The Black Caps will get a break in the longer format for several months, with only one Test against Ireland in May 2026, followed by a three-match series against England in June.
It’s almost series-by-series – Kane Williamson on his future in international cricket
Kane Williamson has hinted that he may skip the upcoming ODI series in India. Speaking ahead of the final day of the third Test against West Indies at Mount Maunganui, the New Zealand batsman said he is taking decisions one series at a time.
“Yes, it’s almost series-to-series, and as I say next, there’s also a big block away from the group, and there will be more interaction,” Williamson said at his press conference in Mount Maunganui.
“Yeah, so cross those bridges as we come, and as I mentioned earlier, keeping the balance in mind for the young family.”
New Zealand cricket has been really helpful – Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson said his priorities are changing as he tries to balance international cricket with family life. He said he had already spoken to NZC about managing its commitments. Williamson said that he still loves playing cricket and would like to contribute whenever he is part of the team.
“Yeah, I mean, my position is still the same,” Williamson said. “It’s the balance, and I’ve got a young family, and that takes up a lot of my time and attention now, and I’m still enjoying my cricket. As long as it’s at the forefront… and New Zealand Cricket have been really supportive and respectful too.”
“And so as long as I’m still here, I want to try to contribute as much as I can and give as much to the team as I can, and it’s great to be involved in this series at home again. I mean, it’s quite a big break after this, so there’s a lot more time to consider all these things.”
Kane Williamson will now focus on franchise cricket
Kane Williamson will now focus his attention on franchise cricket. He is set to play for the Durban Supergiants in the SA20 starting on Boxing Day. Notably, the tournament will overlap with New Zealand’s three-match ODI series in India in January.
Williamson has also joined Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League, where he serves as a strategic advisor for the franchise. New Zealand have some big tours lined up in 2026, including scheduled tours of England and Australia as well as a one-off Test against Ireland at Stormont.
Williamson remains New Zealand’s leading run-scorer in Test cricket, having scored 9,461 runs in 108 matches at an average of close to 55. If he features in future tours, he could become the first New Zealander to reach 10,000 Test runs. However, Williamson has said that records and numbers are not his main focus.
Also Read: BCCI wanted Shubman Gill to be India’s Virat Kohli in T20Is, but he was dropped due to batting failure
