Kane Williamson plays coy about his international future, as he continues to evaluate his availability on a “series-by-series” basis.
‘Cross those bridges as we come’ – Kane Williamson on his international future.
Kane Williamson will continue to assess his availability “series-by-series” as his international future remains uncertain. Williamson, 35, is one of few players on a casual contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC), having resigned from Twenty20 Internationals in November ahead of the T20 World Cup next year.
It is uncertain that he would be available for the forthcoming three-match ODI series in India in January 2026. He is now playing for New Zealand in the third Test against the West Indies at Bay Oval, his home venue.
“Yeah, it’s almost series-by-series, and like I say after this, there’s a pretty large block away from the group as well, and there’ll be more conversations had,” Williamson said at his press conference in Mount Maunganui. “Yeah, so just kind of cross those bridges as we come, and like I mentioned earlier, just with the balance in mind for the young family.”
“Yeah, I mean, my position’s still the same,” Williamson said. “It’s the balance, and I’ve got a young family, and that takes a lot of my time and attention now, and I’m still enjoying my cricket. As long as that’s at the forefront…and New Zealand Cricket have been really helpful and respectful of that as well.
“And so whilst I’m still here, I want to try and contribute as much as I can and give to the team as much as I can, and it’s great to be involved in this series at home again. I mean, there’s quite a big break post this, so plenty more time to weigh all these things up.”
Williamson’s next task is a franchise contract with Durban’s Super Giants (DSG) in the SA20, which begins on Boxing Day and coincides with New Zealand’s three-match ODI series in India in January of the following year. Williamson serves as a strategic advisor for the Lucknow Super Giants, their parent team in the IPL.
In terms of major Test assignments, New Zealand will travel to Australia and England in 2026. Additionally, they will play a single Test match against Ireland at Stormont in 2026.
“Yeah, those [England and Australia] are amazing tours, and I’ve had a few of them in my time, and as we know, the depth as well in New Zealand Cricket at the moment is outstanding,” Williamson said. “I mean, gosh, the injuries that we’ve had and the guys that are coming in and contributing like they are. I mean, I think in Wellington, across our four bowlers, there were about seven Test matches between them and to see them come in and do as well as they’ve done has been fantastic. So going into, you know, a big sort of Test 18 months, with a real battery of fast bowlers is exciting, and certainly going to England and Australia, etc. are really sort of mouth-watering prospects and great opportunities because they are tough tours.
“And for me, I mean, yeah, like I say, I’ve been involved with a few of them before, and my position is still the same, and it’s sort of executing that balance as well as I can. Still wanting to very much respect that, there’s a team being built, and so you’re wanting to give as much as you can to it, you know, whilst you’re here.”