Kane Williamson declines New Zealand Cricket central contract again
Kane Williamson of Middlesex CCC during a training session. (Photo by)
Kane Williamson
has once again turned down a central contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC), raising fresh questions about the former captain's long-term international future. As a result, he is likely to miss New Zealand's two-Test tour of Zimbabwe in late July and early August.
Williamson, currently playing for Middlesex in the English County Championship and T20 Blast, had also declined a central contract in 2024 to allow greater flexibility for T20 league commitments. Despite that, he featured in nine of New Zealand's 13 Tests last year, scoring over 1,000 runs under a casual playing agreement. He is expected to sign a similar arrangement this year.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
SUBSCRIBE NOW!
At a press conference in London last month, the 34-year-old clarified that his relationship with NZC remains positive: 'It's just a work in progress and New Zealand Cricket have been great with working with that and I've been fortunate throughout.'
Who's that IPL player?
Williamson was notably absent from NZC's list of 20 contracted players released on Tuesday. Other omissions include Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert and
Lockie Ferguson
— all active in T20 leagues abroad.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Free P2,000 GCash eGift
UnionBank Credit Card
Apply Now
Undo
With senior players stepping aside or retiring — including Tim Southee — NZC has brought in fresh talent. Muhammad Abbas, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay and Adi Ashok received their first central contracts.
IPL 2025 Final, RCB vs Punjab Kings: The wait will finally end in Ahmedabad
'These players have shown they can compete at the highest level and their hunger to represent the Black Caps is exciting,' said NZC CEO Scott Weenink. 'We're thrilled to see this group drive our team forward.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
Italy secures vital win over Moldova as Spalletti bids farewell
Italy revived their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying hopes with a crucial 2-0 victory over Moldova in Reggio Emilia on Monday, providing outgoing coach Luciano Spalletti a parting gift after a turbulent week for the Azzurri. Spalletti's departure amidst pressure The win comes just days after Spalletti was informed he would be relieved of his duties following Italy's disappointing 3-0 defeat to Norway in their opening qualifier. That loss intensified scrutiny on the national team, who have failed to reach the last two World Cups, missing out in 2018 and 2022 after playoff heartbreaks. Despite the managerial uncertainty, Italy responded with a composed performance. Giacomo Raspadori opened the scoring, while Andrea Cambiaso doubled the lead, sealing the nation's first points in Group I. Group I standings and qualification race Italy's victory keeps their qualification hopes alive but leaves them in a precarious position. Norway, led by Erling Haaland's 62nd-minute winner over Estonia, have a perfect record with four wins from four matches. Italy trails Norway by nine points, though the Azzurri have played two fewer games. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dukung Orang Terkasih Menghadapi Limfoma: Mulai Di Sini Limfoma Klik Di Sini Undo Only the group winner is guaranteed a spot at the expanded 48-team tournament in North America, while runners-up face the perilous playoff route—where Italy's recent campaigns have ended in disappointment. Looking ahead Italy's inability to increase their goal difference against Moldova could prove costly in a tight group, with every goal potentially vital. As the Azzurri transition to a new managerial era, the challenge remains steep: overhaul Norway's lead or risk another playoff gauntlet. Live Events Spalletti's tenure ends on a bittersweet note, but his final match delivered a much-needed boost for Italy's World Cup ambitions. The focus now shifts to building momentum under new leadership and reclaiming a place among football's elite.
India Gazette
an hour ago
- India Gazette
Karnataka: HC to hear petition of Nikhil Sosale challenging arrest in Bengaluru stampede today
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 10 (ANI): The Karnataka High Court will hear the petition filed by the Marketing and Revenue Head of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Nikhil Sosale, on Tuesday. The petition was filed to challenge the legality of his arrest in connection with the stampede outside Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium that claimed 11 lives during RCB's IPL victory celebrations on June 4. During the hearing, the lawyer representing RCB sought interim relief for Sosale, arguing that his arrest was illegal. However, the Attorney General, representing the state government, opposed the request for interim bail, stating that such relief cannot be granted until the court conclusively determines the illegality of the arrest. The bench reserved its decision and scheduled the matter for further hearing on Tuesday. Earlier on Friday, the Karnataka HC granted interim relief to the office bearers of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), who had approached the court seeking the quashing of the FIR registered against them in connection with the stampede case. In an interim order, the court directed the state police not to take any coercive action against them until further orders. The High Court adjourned the case to June 9. Meanwhile, Sosale was arrested by the Bengaluru Police in the early hours of June 6 (Friday). He has contended that the arrest was illegal, arbitrary and not in accordance with the law. He claimed that he was arrested without any materials and even before the police had conducted a preliminary enquiry. He has thus sought to declare his arrest illegal. On Thursday, the Bengaluru police registered an FIR against the RCB franchise; DNA Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., an event management company; and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) for culpable homicide, illegal assembly, and other serious charges. A day after the stampede that claimed the lives of 11 people, the Karnataka police suspended multiple IPS officers, including the Bengaluru city police Commissioner, B Dayananda. (ANI)
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Tensions high as F1 heads to Montreal for 2025 Canadian Grand Prix
The 2025 Formula 1 season arrives in Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend, marking the tenth round of a fiercely competitive championship. The event at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve , a mainstay since 1978, is set against a dramatic backdrop both on and off the track. Championship Standings and Rivalries McLaren enters Canada in a commanding position after Oscar Piastri's victory in Spain, his fifth of the season, which extended his lead over teammate Lando Norris to 10 points in the Drivers' Championship. McLaren also boasts a massive 197-point lead in the Constructors' standings, with Ferrari moving into second place for the first time this year, ahead of Mercedes and Red Bull . Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion and winner of the last three Canadian Grands Prix, faces mounting pressure. After a controversial collision with George Russell in Spain that resulted in a penalty and additional superlicence points, Verstappen is now just one point away from a race ban. The Dutch driver, currently 49 points adrift in the title race, must deliver a strong result in Montreal to keep his championship hopes alive. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like nhà container: Xu hướng nhà ở hiện đại và bền vững 2025 Visionary Echo Tìm Ngay Track and Weather Challenges The race weekend has been clouded—literally—by thick wildfire smoke spreading across Montreal. However, F1 officials and local authorities have deemed the air quality safe, and the event is expected to proceed as scheduled. The 4.361-kilometre circuit, known for its high-speed straights and the notorious 'Wall of Champions,' promises another unpredictable contest. Key Storylines Can Norris close the 10-point gap to Piastri and reignite his title challenge on a track where McLaren has struggled in recent years? Will Verstappen's aggressive style cost him, or can he secure a fourth consecutive victory in Montreal despite the threat of a ban? Can Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time winner in Canada, use his experience to jump-start his season at one of his most successful venues? With rivalries intensifying and the championship battle heating up, the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix is set to deliver high drama on and off the track. Live Events
