Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from T20Is but has reiterated his focus on playing both Tests and ODIs for New Zealand.

There has been speculation over Williamson's future in recent months after he opted out of New Zealand's three-match series against Australia at the start of October.

He returned to action after a groin injury for their 3-0 ODI sweep of England this week, making his first appearance since the Champions Trophy final.

Williamson, who made his T20I debut in October 2011, featured in 93 matches in the format and called time on his career as their second-highest run-scorer (2,575 at an average of 33.4).

He boosted that total with 18 fifties, with a highest score of 95, which came against India.

Kane Williamson has called time on his 93-game T20 International career.

Thank you for everything you gave the team in the shortest format

Full story at https://t.co/itPtNwMPLK

@PhotosportNZ pic.twitter.com/wzXz6MuWOF

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 1, 2025

"It's something that I've loved being a part of for a long period of time, and I'm so grateful for the memories and experiences," Williamson said.

"It's the right time for myself and the team. It gives the team clarity for the series moving forward and ahead of their next major focus, which is the T20 World Cup.

"There's so much T20 talent there, and the next period will be important to get cricket into these guys and get them ready for the World Cup."

Williamson's decision comes just three months before the T20I World Cup, which takes place in India and Sri Lanka in February.

The 35-year-old, who captained the team through 75 matches, had previously led New Zealand at the tournament, reaching the semi-finals in 2016 and 2022, while also losing the final in 2021, with Williamson scoring 85 in the showpiece match.

He had already handed the armband to Mitchell Santner, but will continue to play T20 franchise cricket.