Former New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, on a casual contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC), has spoken about his international future with the Black Caps. Williamson has said he will consider his future with the national Test team on a ‘series-by-series’ basis, according to ESPNcricinfo.
Williamson can decide when and where he represents New Zealand. He is no longer required to be available for every mission. The Black Caps will have a break from the longer format for several months, with a single 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 might skip the upcoming ODI series in India. Speaking ahead of the final day of the third Test against the West Indies at Mount Maunganui, the New Zealand batter said he was taking decisions one series at a time.
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“Yes, it’s almost series by series, and as I said after that, there’s a pretty big block of the group as well, and there will be more conversations,” Williamson said at his Mount Maunganui press conference.
“Yeah, so cross those bridges as we come, and like I mentioned earlier, just keeping balance in mind for the young family.”
New Zealand cricket has been really helpful – Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson says 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 added that he still enjoys playing cricket and wants 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 have a young family, and that takes up a lot of time and attention now, and I still enjoy my cricket. As long as that’s at the forefront… and New Zealand Cricket has been very helpful and respectful of that as well.”
“And so while I’m still here, I want to try to contribute as much as I can and give to the team as much as I can, and it’s great to be involved in this home series again. I mean, there’s a big break after that, so a lot more time to weigh all those things.”
Kane Williamson set to focus on franchise cricket next
Kane Williamson will next turn his attention to franchise cricket. He is expected to play for the Durban Super Giants in SA20, which begins on Boxing Day. Notably, the tournament will overlap with New Zealand’s three-match ODI series in India in January.
Williamson also joined Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League, where he works as a strategic advisor for the franchise. New Zealand have major tours in 2026, with scheduled visits to England and Australia, as well as a one-off test against Ireland at Stormont.
Williamson remains New Zealand’s top scorer in Test cricket, with 9,461 runs in 108 matches at an average close to 55. If he takes part in these future tours, he could become the first New Zealander to reach 10,000 Test runs. However, Williamson said records and numbers were not his main focus.
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