New Delhi, June 12 -- New Zealand's leading all-format run-scorer and widely regarded as one of the country's greatest batters, Kane Williamson on Friday announced his immediate retirement from international cricket.

Williamson's announcement brings an end to a glittering 16-year international career that has seen him play 378 international games for his country, setting countless batting records and earning the respect and admiration of the cricketing world, according to the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) website.

The 35-year-old finishes as New Zealand's all-time leading international run-scorer with 19,346 runs, including 48 centuries and six double-centuries. Williamson's retirement means he will play no further part in the BlackCaps cur...