New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon lauded Kane Williamson as one of the greatest Blackcaps ever upon Williamson’s retirement from international cricket. Luxon commended Williamson for his exceptional skills and for epitomizing class throughout his career. Williamson, at 35, bid farewell to a remarkable 16-year career, leaving as New Zealand’s highest run-scorer in all formats.
Williamson, known as one of the finest batsmen of his generation, amassed 19,346 runs in 378 matches, including 48 centuries and six double hundreds. He led New Zealand to notable achievements, captaining the team across all formats from 2016 to 2024. His leadership saw the Black Caps reach two Cricket World Cup finals, three semi-finals, and clinch the World Test Championship in 2021.
Regarded as a cricketing great, Williamson earned prestigious accolades such as the ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2015 and the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year in 2019. He also secured New Zealand Cricket’s Sir Richard Hadlee Medal four times, a record. Despite his retirement, Williamson’s absence in the ongoing Test series against England will prompt New Zealand to name a replacement soon.
