New Zealand cricket star Kane Williamson will captain London Spirit in the upcoming men’s Hundred, becoming the competition’s first direct overseas signing. Despite a previous commitment with Birmingham Phoenix in 2021, Williamson withdrew due to injury but is set to make his debut on August 5 at Lord’s. He will also play for Middlesex during a four-month stay in the UK, participating in the Vitality Blast and County Championship. Williamson expressed excitement about the opportunity to play at Lord’s and joining Middlesex, praising the club’s rich heritage and the mix of youth and experience in the squad.
At 34, Williamson has yet to compete in the Hundred. He was originally signed by Birmingham Phoenix in the initial draft but withdrew from this deal in 2021 due to elbow issues. He is anticipated to make his debut in the season opener at Lord’s on August 5, following a contract agreement with Spirit as part of new regulations permitting teams to sign a player outside the draft using one of their 10 retention spots.
“We are delighted to have Kane join us this summer,” said Fraser Stewart, the general manager of London Spirit. “Making a direct signing of such high calibre is incredibly exciting for London Spirit, and I’m certain he is looking forward to leading our talented squad.”
Williamson expressed: “Our international commitments have provided a brief break during the English summer, and I wanted to come to the UK with my family. When this opportunity came up, it was incredibly exciting. Lord’s is one of my favourite venues in the world for so many reasons; I’ve had countless amazing experiences there.”
“Every player globally holds Lord’s in the highest esteem. They have preserved the traditions around playing there, which makes it unlike any other place in the world.”
Having previously played for Gloucestershire and Yorkshire, Williamson is expected to be available for at least 10 of Middlesex’s Vitality Blast matches and a minimum of five County Championship games in the latter part of the season. He will arrive in May after his stint with Karachi Kings in the PSL.
While New Zealand will tour Zimbabwe for all three formats in July-August, Williamson is no longer on a central contract with NZC, allowing him to explore other opportunities.
“I have played county cricket in the past, but it has been several years since. So, getting this opportunity with Middlesex is really exciting,” Williamson remarked.
“Playing for Middlesex—an outstanding club with a rich history—is truly exciting, and I look forward to being part of it. The balance of youth and experience in the Middlesex squad is impressive, and I’m eager to collaborate with the team, meet the players, and contribute however I can.”
Alan Coleman, Middlesex’s director of cricket, stated: “We are immensely excited about Kane joining Middlesex this summer and anticipate him making a positive contribution to both our Blast and Championship efforts.”
“Securing one of the world’s most talented players is a significant achievement, and we are eager to welcome him to Lord’s and see him representing us with pride.”
“Having a player of Kane’s caliber in the Middlesex dressing room will greatly benefit the entire squad, particularly our younger players, who will learn tremendously from playing alongside one of the world’s best.”