Kane Williamson Joins Middlesex and London Spirit for 2025 Season
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Synopsis
Kane Williamson, New Zealand's leading batter, has signed with Middlesex and London Spirit for the 2025 season in England. This move allows him to play at Lord’s from May to September, where he will captain London Spirit in The Hundred and participate in T20 Blast and County Championship matches.
Key Takeaways
- Kane Williamson has signed with Middlesex and London Spirit for 2025.
- He will captain London Spirit in The Hundred.
- Williamson will play at Lord's from May to September.
- He has a rich history in county cricket.
- His presence is expected to benefit younger Middlesex players.
New Delhi, Feb 17 (NationPress) Kane Williamson, New Zealand’s top batter, has officially committed to both Middlesex and London Spirit for the 2025 cricket season in England. This extended engagement will see Williamson, celebrated as one of the finest modern batters, make Lord’s his home ground from May through September.
Having led New Zealand to a memorable runners-up finish at the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final held at Lord’s, Williamson will take on the role of captain for London Spirit in this year’s The Hundred, marking him as the first direct overseas signing in the men's tournament.
“We are excited to welcome Kane for this summer. Securing a direct signing of his caliber is a thrilling achievement for London Spirit, and I believe he is eager to lead our talented team,” stated Fraser Stewart, the general manager of London Spirit.
Williamson will participate in a minimum of ten out of Middlesex’s fourteen T20 Blast group matches, alongside playing in at least five County Championship games during the latter half of the season. He has previously played domestic cricket in England for both Gloucestershire and Yorkshire. “Our international schedule has afforded me a break during the English summer, and I was looking forward to visiting the UK with my family, so when this opportunity presented itself, it was incredibly exciting.”
“I have played county cricket before, but it has been several years, so this chance with Middlesex is genuinely thrilling. Representing Middlesex—a prestigious club with a rich history—is something I eagerly anticipate,” he expressed.
“Competing at Lord’s, the Home of Cricket, which is among my favorite venues globally for various reasons, is something I am particularly looking forward to. The squad at Middlesex boasts a wonderful mix of youth and experience, which is fantastic, and I am excited to join the team, meet my fellow players, and contribute in any way I can,” he added.
At 34 years old, Williamson stands as New Zealand’s leading run-scorer in all three international formats, amassing over 18,000 runs. He maintains averages of 54.88 in Test cricket, 49.65 in ODIs, and 33.44 in T20Is. He will arrive in England following a stint with the Karachi Kings in this year’s Pakistan Super League, starting mid-April.
“We are extremely excited about Kane joining Middlesex this summer and look forward to the positive influence he will have on both our Blast and Championship campaigns. Securing one of the world’s most talented players is a significant achievement, and we can’t wait to welcome him to Lord’s and see him represent with the three Seaxes on his jersey,” stated a Middlesex spokesperson.
“Having a player of Kane’s caliber in the Middlesex dressing room will be tremendously beneficial for the whole squad, especially for our younger players, who will gain immensely from playing alongside one of the best in the world,” remarked Alan Coleman, Director of Cricket for Middlesex.
Currently, Williamson is with the New Zealand team as they prepare for their ICC Champions Trophy campaign, which begins against host nation Pakistan this Wednesday. Recently, he scored an unbeaten 133 against South Africa, contributing to New Zealand’s victory in the 50-over tri-series in Pakistan.
