New Zealand’s white-ball skipper Kane Williamson has opted out of New Zealand’s central contract, becoming the latest player to make this decision. Recently, New Zealand had the most disastrous campaign at the still-ongoing T20I World Cup where they kicked off their campaign with two heavy losses against West Indies and Afghanistan. New Zealand were eliminated from the T20I World Cup during the group stage itself. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s schedule this season is not incredibly bustling and Williamson found a silver lining in that to pursue more overseas opportunities. 

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

However, despite declining the central, the superstar batter has reiterated his commitment to New Zealand across all three formats. Williamson will also be stepping down as the skipper of the team as he no longer holds the central contract. Williamson has said he remains available to accept the central contract in future. 

"Playing for New Zealand is something I treasure, and my desire to give back to the team remains undiminished. My life outside cricket has changed, however. Spending more time with my family and enjoying experiences with them at home or abroad is something that's even more important to me."

New Zealand Cricket CEO Scott Weenink said Williamson is the greatest batter who deserves some time off to pursue other goals. 

"This is a good way to help keep Kane in the international game so that he continues to play a major role for the Black Caps – both now and in the years to come."

"We have very little international cricket in New Zealand through January and outside that period he's still available for the Black Caps."

"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."

"I know it sounds a bit counterintuitive, but I'm very encouraged by this development."