Williamson signs with London Spirit and Middlesex with the New Zealand skipper also set to lead Spirit in the Hundred.
Williamson signs with London Spirit and Middlesex to become the first overseas signing in the men’s Hundred.
Despite being selected by the Birmingham Phoenix in the initial draft, Williamson, 34, has not participated in the Hundred because he cancelled his contract in 2021 due to an elbow injury. In accordance with new regulations that permit teams to sign a player outside of the draft using one of their ten retention spaces, he has agreed to a contract with Spirit and will make his debut in the season opener at Lord’s on August 5.
“We’re thrilled to have Kane on board for this summer,” Fraser Stewart, London Spirit’s general manager, said. “For us to be able to make a direct signing of this calibre is truly exciting for London Spirit, and I am sure that he will be looking forward to captaining our talented side.”
In the ECB’s procedure to sell ownership in the Hundred, London Spirit was the most valuable team; a Silicon Valley group was anticipated to spend £145 million for a 49% stake. The team’s name and branding will not change for this season, but discussions have started with MCC.
Williamson said: “Our international schedule has allowed for a bit of break during the English summer, and I was looking to come to the UK with my family, so when this opportunity arose it was a really exciting prospect. The Home of Cricket is one of my favourite grounds in the world for so many different reasons. I’ve had so many incredible moments there.
“Every player in the world holds Lord’s in the highest regard. They have been able to maintain the tradition around playing there, and that’s what makes it unique to any other place in the world.”
Williamson, who has played county cricket for Gloucestershire and Yorkshire in the past, is anticipated to be available for at least five County Championship games and at least ten of Middlesex’s Vitality Blast games in the second half of the season. After playing for the Karachi Kings in the PSL, he will arrive in May.