Pakistan, June 13 -- New Zealand batting great Kane Williamson announced his immediate retirement from international cricket on Friday, ending a standout career in which he scored 33 test hundreds and became one of the top players in the modern game.

The decision was announced by the New Zealand's men's cricket team on X and in a full statement on New Zealand cricket's website.

"New Zealand's most prolific all-format run scorer and arguably greatest ever batsman Kane Williamson has confirmed his retirement from international cricket effective immediately," the statement read. "Williamson's announcement brings an end to a glittering 16-year international career that has seen him play 378 games for his country (in all formats), setting co...