Williamson likely to relinquish New Zealand cricket captaincy after rejecting central contract

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Kane Williamson is expected to relinquish the captaincy of the New Zealand cricket team in Twenty20 and one-day internationals after rejecting a new, full contract with New Zealand Cricket.

The 33-year-old Williamson instead has chosen to sign a casual contract which will allow him to play in Twenty20 leagues overseas.

Williamson said he remains committed to the Black Caps, though his long-term future is doubtful if he is no longer fully contracted to the national body.

“Helping push the team forward across the formats is something I’m very passionate about and something I want to keep contributing towards,” Williamson said in a statement Wednesday. “However, pursuing an overseas opportunity during the New Zealand summer means I’m unable to accept a central contract offer.”

New Zealand isn’t scheduled to play any test cricket for several months but overseas tournaments might clash with New Zealand’s domestic schedule.

“NZC has a strong preference to select centrally-contracted players for the Black Caps. However we’re happy to make an exception for our greatest ever batter, especially as he remains so committed to the team,” New Zealand Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink said.

“I know it sounds a bit counter-intuitive but I’m very encouraged by this development.”

Weenink said Williamson’s decision might help prolong his international career.

But New Zealand fans might be angered by Williamson’s move which comes after the Black Caps’ worst performance at a white-ball World Cup. New Zealand was the first team to be eliminated from the current Twenty20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies after heavy losses to the West Indies and Afghanistan.

The Black Caps came into the tournament with little preparation because of the unavailability of players who were involved with the Indian Premier League.

Williamson will continue to receive a retainer from New Zealand Cricket while on a casual contract but will not be among New Zealand’s 20 fully contracted players.

Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is reportedly also to be seeking a casual contract, though NZC said it does not want such arrangements to be common.

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