The International series martch – New Zealand vs South Africa at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand. 04 Mar 2017 Pictured: AB de Villiers. Photo credit: ZUMA Press / MEGA TheMegaAgency.com +1 888 505 6342
CSA hit back at AB de Villiers following World Cup claims
CSA convenor of selectors Linda Zondi, has addressed the recent claims made around AB de Villiers and his reported decision to come out of retirement for the 2019 Cricket World Cup.
The International series martch – New Zealand vs South Africa at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand. 04 Mar 2017 Pictured: AB de Villiers. Photo credit: ZUMA Press / MEGA TheMegaAgency.com +1 888 505 6342
Cricket South Africa (CSA) national selection convenor Linda Zondi has sought to clear the air, following a sensational report regarding former Proteas batsman AB de Villiers’ desire to be included in the squad for the Cricket World Cup.
While reeling from a third successive defeat, Proteas fans woke up to explosive claims that the 35-year-old, who called time on his international career in 2018 had offered his services to the national team just hours before the World Cup squad was set to be announced.
Linda Zondi clears the air on AB de Villiers saga
In a statement issued out in response to the report, Zondi confirmed that the player did make himself available on the last minute, but but then, the squad had already been finalised.
He says he had tried to stop de Villiers from retiring when he did, offering him a chance to manage his workload in the months prior to the World Cup.
“I pleaded with AB de Villiers not to retire in 2018.
“Although there was a perception that he was picking and choosing when to play – which was not true – I did give him the option to plan and monitor his season to get him to the World Cup fresh and in a good space.”
Linda Zondi
Zondi says he told de Villiers he would have to play for the Proteas during the home tours against Sri Lanka and Pakistan to be considered for selection, but the player opted to sign up for T20 competitions in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
“He turned down the offer and said he was at peace with his decision to retire.”
Linda Zondi
Zondi says he was shocked that Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis and coach Ottis Gibson had revealed the news of de Villiers U-turning on his decision to retire.
“AB left a big vacuum when he retired, we had a year to find players at franchise level to fill the gap.
“We had players who put in the hard work, who put up their hands and deserved to be given the opportunity to go to the World Cup.
“The decision was based on principle; we had to be fair to the team, the selection panel, our franchise system and players.”
Linda Zondi
According to Zondi, de Villiers did not, at any point, after calling it quits make himself available for selection.
“It was no option when I received the news on the day of the squad announcement, our squad was finalised and confirmed.”
Linda Zondi
