New Zealand batter and former captain Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from international cricket, effective immediately. Multiple outlets report that the decision ends a long international career spanning about 15–16 years, during which Williamson played 378 matches across formats. He is described consistently as New Zealand’s all-time leading run-scorer in international cricket, with one report citing 19,346 runs, including 48 centuries and six double-centuries. Williamson also captained New Zealand to major success, including the 2021 inaugural World Test Championship, a point noted by several sources. Several reports add that he retires during the middle of a Test series against England and will play no further part in that series. In his comments, Williamson says he feels the time is right to step away and frames the retirement as a personal decision, while expressing respect for the team. Outlets also note that he plans to spend more time with his family as he transitions away from international cricket.