Virat Kohli leads cricket fraternity’s tributes as Kane Williamson announces retirement from international cricket

Williamson retired as the all-time leading run-scorer for the Black Caps.

By Salman Anjum - 12 Jun, 2026

New Zealand batting great Kane Williamson on Friday (June 12) announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket with immediate effect.

The 35-year-old steps away midway through the ongoing Test series in England, ending a glittering 16-year international career.

Williamson played a total of 110 Tests, 175 ODIs and 93 T20Is, finishing as the all-time leading run-scorer for the Black Caps with 19,346 runs, including 48 hundreds and six double-centuries.

Williamson also led the Kiwis during their golden era from 2016-2024, capturing the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021 and reaching the 2019 World Cup Final.

His list of accolades is immense, including being named the ICC Cricketer of 2015 and Test player of 2019, while also winning the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal on a record four occasions.

Indian legend Virat Kohli led the tribute from the cricket fraternity as Kane Williamson bid adieu to international cricket.

Here are the reactions:

From an opponent to a friend over the years. It’s been a pleasure watching you bat and compete against you over so many years but more than that I value our friendship and shared perspectives on the game and beyond. I continue to cherish every time we speak or meet. Wishing you…
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) June 12, 2026

From the time I started playing cricket, Kane Williamson has been one of the most technically compact and magnificent batters I have seen. Balance, timing, and that trademark calm at the crease came together to make his batting one of the most consistently pleasing sights in…
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 12, 2026

Grace + Talent + Spirit = Kane Williamson pic.twitter.com/aLiMRerDSE
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) June 12, 2026

Congratulations on a remarkable career, Kane Williamson. The way you've carried yourself on and off the field has been an example to many. Wishing you all the very best for the road ahead. @BLACKCAPS pic.twitter.com/iSGaxekMPy
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) June 12, 2026

What an incredible player and ambassador for the international game he has been .. One of our greatest .. ???? https://t.co/zU6kBdyKch
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 12, 2026

Congratulations on an incredible career, Kane Williamson. Your class, humility, and sportsmanship have inspired cricket fans around the world. Thank you for the countless memories, remarkable innings, and exemplary leadership. Wishing you happiness, success, and fulfillment in… pic.twitter.com/sA5ccO7meo
— Angelo Mathews (@Angelo69Mathews) June 12, 2026

Kane Mama, the records will always be there, but what I will remember most is the person behind them.

The calm head in the dressing room, the respect for the game, and the kindness you have shown everyone along the way.

One of the finest cricketers of our generation and an even…
— Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) June 12, 2026

Kane Williamson it was an honor to share the field with you. Every contest taught me something new. You leave the game better than you found it. Thank you for the standard you set champ! Happy retirement. pic.twitter.com/7TsNsn7tUv
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) June 12, 2026

Happy retirement Kane Williamson, always been someone who’s upheld the spirit and integrity of the game #DKDrops pic.twitter.com/BYaHREsBn6
— DK (@DineshKarthik) June 12, 2026

One of the calmest minds, finest players and greatest gentlemen our game has ever seen. ????

Kane Mama , it was an honour to share a dressing room and the field with you. Your humility, class and leadership will always inspire generations.

Congratulations on an incredible…
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) June 12, 2026

One of the best players of this era and perhaps the most humble person on the field to date. A great captain and, along with Martin Crowe, the greatest batsman New Zealand . #KaneWillanson I hope he remains connected to the game of cricket and helps nurture many future stars pic.twitter.com/Anotp7Rjcg
— Mohammad Yousaf (@yousaf1788) June 12, 2026

By Salman Anjum - 12 Jun, 2026

Virat Kohli leads cricket fraternity’s tributes as Kane Williamson announces retirement from international cricket

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