Williamson took a temporary contract and relinquished the captaincy

Kane Williamson has turned down a central contract from New Zealand Cricket, meaning he will no longer be able to captain the Black Caps.

As first reported by The Bounce’s Dylan Cleaver, NZC offered the Black Caps captain a central contract, which he turned down in favor of a temporary contract that would allow him to undertake more overseas T20 deals.

It will also mean he will relinquish the captaincy of the New Zealand T20 and ODI sides.

Cleaver reported that Williamson, one of New Zealand’s biggest players, is eyeing a contract in South Africa’s SA20 competition.

NZC CEO Scott Weenink said they view this situation as a “positive development”.

“He is committed to New Zealand for the long term, but with the schedules as they are this summer, he wants to take an opportunity in a franchise league and will bring his family with him,” Weenink said.

Weenink added that offering contracts to players with flexible terms helped them stay in the international game longer. They were only available to people with a distinguished international career.

Weencik said Williamson would likely be available for every Test, with the possible exception of the match against Afghanistan, and was available for next year’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

Weenink said players cannot captain the Black Caps if they do not have a central contract.

“Playing for New Zealand is something I cherish and my desire to give back to the team remains undiminished,” said Williamson.

“My life outside of cricket has changed though. Spending more time with my family and enjoying experiences at home and abroad with them is something that is even more important to me.”

Williamson recently captained the Black Caps in white-ball cricket only, but this will be the first time since 2016 that he will not captain in any format of the game.

Pace bowler Lockie Ferguson has also indicated he will turn down a central contract.

The news comes after a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign for the Black Caps, as they lost their first two matches and were knocked out in the first round of the tournament.