Kane Williamson retires from international cricket after 16-year career
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 10:47 PM
Last updated Jun 12, 2026
Kane Williamson announced his retirement from all international cricket on June 12, following New Zealand's defeat to England at Lord's. The 35-year-old concludes a successful career that spanned 378 appearances and made him New Zealand's all-format leading run-scorer with 9,515 Test runs and 33 centuries. Tributes have poured in, from Sachin Tendulkar, who highlighted Williamson's exceptional technique and composure. Other cricket figures, including Virat Kohli and New Zealand's coaching staff, praised his impact on the game and his leadership. This retirement marks a significant moment in New Zealand cricket history.
- •Williamson retires after a defeat to England at Lord's.
- •He ends his career as New Zealand's highest all-format run-scorer.
- •Williamson accumulates 9,515 Test runs over 16 years.
- •Tributes came from notable figures including Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
- •His retirement is seen as a pivotal moment for New Zealand cricket.
- 10:47 PMYahoo Sports — 'Bowling camps will be relieved': Sachin Tendulkar's candid verdict on Kane Williamson retirement
- 5:02 PMYahoo Sports — From the time I started playing cricket': Sachin Tendulkar's words may be the ultimate retirement tribute to Kane Williamson
"Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar lauded Kane Williamson after his international retirement. Tendulkar praised Williamson's batting technique and gentlemanly conduct. He noted Williamson's departure would bring relief to bowlers. Williamson retires as New Zealand's top international scorer with numerous records. His leadership also left a significant mark on the sport.
"With Kane Williamson announcing his retirement earlier today, tributes poured from every corner of the cricketing world, with perhaps the most famous of them coming from Sachin Tendulkar himself.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 12, 2026, 10:47 PM'Bowling camps will be relieved': Sachin Tendulkar's candid verdict on Kane Williamson retirement
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar lauded Kane Williamson after his international retirement. Tendulkar praised Williamson's batting technique and gentlemanly conduct. He noted Williamson's departure would bring relief to bowlers. Williamson retires as New Zealand's top international scorer with numerous records. His leadership also left a significant mark on the sport.
- Yahoo SportsJun 12, 2026, 5:02 PMFrom the time I started playing cricket': Sachin Tendulkar's words may be the ultimate retirement tribute to Kane Williamson
With Kane Williamson announcing his retirement earlier today, tributes poured from every corner of the cricketing world, with perhaps the most famous of them coming from Sachin Tendulkar himself.
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