AB de Villiers offers to come out of retirement/now retires for good

[Zhasan]

Respect for AB DE Villiers to have made himself available to play World Cup for his team , it's not his fault the Team Management refused his offer.

He had no financial incentive that would puah him to play WC but only the urge to do better for your country.

Of course, there was no IPL happening concurrently.

 

[shah_1]

Sachin also picked and chose series and eventually led us to victory in 2011 WC.

AB should have retired after the world cup and just played some matches before WC. But his heart wasn't in it and he retired.

He does care about the team so he offered to play which team management declined and rightly so.

People just need a reason to hate someone, AB didn't say to include him in team, he offered to be a part of team if needed. He didn't come out and be bitter about being rejected. He is absolutely fine here so are the team management

Sachin didn't retire and he was playing all the test matches before WC.

AB only had to play Pakistan and Sri Lanka ODI series to be considered. You can't expect someone to be picked for playing zero international matches for over a year.

 

[shane]

Maybe reading forum comments like the one in this thread, and no doubt many others around the internet, has made him realise that people regard him as a failure. And that must come as a shock to a man who thinks he is the best thing since Bradman.

 

[Syed1]

I thought IPL was bigger than the WC?


Looking very stupid now Mr. ABDV. He can wait for the next years IPL while the real men play out the world cup.

 

[Cryin Out Loud]

Amir bowled no balls, he didn’t participate in throwing the match away. He was the highest wicket taker. A few harmless no balls here and there, AB on the other hand in the form of his life opted for more money instead of his country. Amir fought back and is the best pacer also won Pakistan the CT trophy.

A few harmless no balls here and there?

Of all the justification given for what he did, this takes the cake. Wowser.

On topic, the SA management was right to reject AB. He can't just walk back in as he pleases.

 

[Zhasan]

A few harmless no balls here and there?

Of all the justification given for what he did, this takes the cake. Wowser.

On topic, the SA management was right to reject AB. He can't just walk back in as he pleases.

And you must have an even lower opinion of Akram, for his crimes are on an order of magnitude higher than what Aamir did...even a mere mention of Akram's name should sent shudder down the spines of all cricket fans and make them sick with disgust. The man threw multiple games and series and over many years, paid player under his captaincy to under perform, was convicted and banished from captaining and the only reason escaped a life ban a la Salim Malik, was because he was the Judge's favorite bowler.

But in reality we only talk about Akram in all glowing language and go ga-ga over his bowling prowess every time his name is mentioned, despite his profound and egregious crimes and damage to the sport of cricket, Amir's offense were indeed a no ball here and there...

 

[barah_admi]

ABD is a mercenary, he thinks he can twist SAs poor performances into an improved offer for himself. I hope no one in CSA takes this seriously. The man has really let me down with his lack of integrity and scruples. What is it with the SA cricket system that it produces people like him?

 

[CricFan2012]

A few harmless no balls here and there?

Of all the justification given for what he did, this takes the cake. Wowser.

On topic, the SA management was right to reject AB. He can't just walk back in as he pleases.

They were in fact harmless in the fact that they barely impact the match itself.

Its amusing how much flak Amir and Asif get for these no balls compared to cheats like Ajmal and Hafeez. Some pathetic fans are actually okay with Hafeez cheating us to World Cup glory.

Tells you a lot about blind patriotism and nationalism, one looks bad on our countrys image because it was circulating everywhere, while the latter not so much.

 

[Grunge101]

It might have been more of a "time constraint" issue rather than an ethical one.
24 hours before team announcement? . There no way they couldve slotted him in just like that. Had he made himselr available a couple of weeks ago, there wouldve been time to debate this inside the SA board and perhaps he wouldve been picked

 

[Plumb]

They shouldn't include such character... Noone guarantees that he will start winning them games, second its a big slap on SA selectors that they couldn't build a team without him for WC.

SA should just quietly play their rest of the games and work hard to win a few games and look to build a better team for future. The selectors already made blunder by adding Amla who is on his last legs in international cricket.

 

[hashimafzal]

If he didn't want to play every series that is honestly not much of an issue.

There are ways to keep someone match fit, and for someone like AB, arrangements can be made. A 12 month layoff is fine if he's participating in a series here and there, and all he'd need to do, would be to let management know he has plans to play in the WC.

What you can't do however, is abruptly retire, force your team into a scramble to fill the void you left and then make an 11th hour return stating you want to play.

Sorry sir. You had your chance.

 

[BaankeJi]

ABD is a mercenary, he thinks he can twist SAs poor performances into an improved offer for himself. I hope no one in CSA takes this seriously. The man has really let me down with his lack of integrity and scruples. What is it with the SA cricket system that it produces people like him?

Here we talk about dying for country and there he is choosing money over country!!

 

[barah_admi]

Here we talk about dying for country and there he is choosing money over country!!

It really is quite sad but symptomatic of SA cricket and more so, the non African members of the cricketing community.

 

[Suleiman]

Media Advisory: Statement on AB de Villiers


Thursday, 06 June 2019


Cricket South Africa National Selection Panel convenor, Mr Linda Zondi, has addressed the recent media statements regarding AB de Villiers and his reported decision to come out of retirement for the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket 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. We made it clear that he would have to play during the home tours against Sri Lanka and Pakistan to be considered for selection, instead he signed to play in the Pakistan and Bangladesh Premier Leagues respectively. He turned down the offer and said he was at peace with his decision to retire.

“For Faf du Plessis and Ottis Gibson to share AB’s desire to be included in the squad on the day we announced our World Cup squad on April 18th was a shock to all of us. 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.

“At no point in the year that he had retired did he 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. AB is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world, but above all else, we have to stay true to our morals and principles, there is no regret in the decision.”

Wow so Faf did vouch for him. Guess friendship beats everything else.

 

[topspin]

Wow so Faf did vouch for him. Guess friendship beats everything else.

Friendship or no friendship, as captain you want the best players to bolster your team's chance of winning the competition and AB de Villiers still happens to be one of the best 3 white ball cricketers in the world (along with Kohli and Buttler). Most players in Faf's shoes would have vouched for his return, so to assume it's merely because of friendship is naive.

 

[barah_admi]

I also want to make a point, ABD even when available, has never helped SA win a tournament or stand up when it truly mattered either in those tournaments (apart from that half century against NZ). He is just as broken and mentally weak as the rest of the saffers when it comes to tournaments.

 

[Dark Magician]

All the Pakistani people that are okay with an individual picking and choosing when to give a **** about their country should look at the mirror and ask themselves where their loyalties lie. It's they who allow players like Afridi to retire untetire. They love individuals more than they love their own country.

 

[Junaids]

A lot of the hate/burn here is because he's famous in the IPL.

How is it any different from many retirements Afridi had?

Or how Messi chose to retire and then come back?

Lots of other examples too. [MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION] is right. AB is a beast, and should have been selected if he considered taking back retirement.

Team above all. Not ego.

I went to South Africa last year for the South Africa v Australia Test series.

People tend to forget that the Aussies won the First Test.

The one and only difference between Australia winning the series or South Africa winning was the batting of AB de Villiers.

People can spout nonsense about team spirit or the unit or loyalty.

It's complete hogwash.

In international sport you can't buy players to replace ones of similar standard.

If you lose your best batsman, his replacement is at best going to be your seventh best batsman, and he is going to be of a far lower caliber.

Consider who would replace Virat Kohli for India, or how Australia struggled when Smith and Warner were suspended.

Diego Maradona got special treatment from Argentina just as Cristiano Ronaldo does for Portugal.

And they led their teams to glory.

All cricketers are not equal. You cannot equate brilliant and mediocre players.

Lastly, it's offensive to see Indian and Aussie posters bang on about national loyalty. It's easy to be loyal when you earn over a million dollars per year.

AB is the only South African whom Cricket South Africa paid over $100,000 per year. When Morne Morkel left he was on $75,000 per year.

These guys are into the last couple of years of their careers and need to earn enough money to live off for the rest of their lives.

South African cricketers are badly paid because of the unequal distribution of ICC revenue, which massively favours India - unlike football where last year FIFA paid Germany $9.5 million and Belgium $25 million, even though Germany "delivered" twelve times as much TV revenue.

It is this unfair distribution of ICC revenue which drives cricketers from poorer countries away from international cricket and into the T20 leagues - exactly the same applies to Chris Gayle and Brendan McCullum, both of whom prematurely started missing national duty.

 

[The_Odd_One]

South Africa did not win the tournament with AB De Villiers in 2007, 2011, and 2015. What makes him think that he can help his team win this time?

 

[Ab Fan]

While, I agree with SA's team management decision to not accept ABD's offer which came just in a matter of 24 hours before team announcement as I always believe that one single person can't win you a World tournament and neither was it possible to make this change so fast for them considering that ABD never gave a hint of returning back.

However, having de Villiers in your team would have definitely meant that SA would have been in a better position in the ongoing WC than what they are in now. At the end of the day, now what matters for SA is that they should concentrate on WC as the tournament is still a long way to go and they can still go all the way.

 

[Syed1]

When the best batsmen in history will be mentioned, ABDV will be nowhere on that list. A glorified slogger who left his team when they needed him most. Lovely by Saffer management to put him in his place no one player is above the team.

 

[Technics 1210]

A lot of the hate/burn here is because he's famous in the IPL.

How is it any different from many retirements Afridi had?

Or how Messi chose to retire and then come back?

Lots of other examples too. [MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION] is right. AB is a beast, and should have been selected if he considered taking back retirement.

Team above all. Not ego.

In football the main career is with a club, then international duties.

Afridi staggered his retirement from different formats of the game, as well as captaincy. Not outright international duties.

In cricket your nation is a priority above franchise cricket. AB chose money over his nation, and now clearly regrets his decision. He is the epitome of a mercenary cricketer.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Although it was okay in my opinion to retire from international cricket at any time, and 1 year prior to tournament is still fine-ish if there is something that must be hindering one to give their best. For example Shane Bond retired from international cricket 1 year or less before WC2011 citing fitness concerns. Damien Martyn reitired 3 months before WC cause he saw the axe falling on him.

But it's the manner of post retirement behavior of AB that irks me. He kept on saying how he doesn't regret retiring one bit and is totally at peace with his decision. He backtracks on his statements regarding being tired by playing almost all of the t20 leagues(which is fine if he wants to earn some handsome money) but he simply shouldn't have said that I am retiring because I am tired and can't travel much and then goes on to play all the t20 leagues abroad. Then he gives signals to un retire and quickly takes a u turn and goes on to say a particular league is bigger than the WC. After a month or two, we find out he reached out to management wanting to play the WC which totally makes all his previous statements zero context or meaning.

It seems to me like he is just unsure about what he's doing or what he has done and he had just been trying to justify his decision(even though he wanted to play the WC) by glorifying other competitions and stuff. In Psychiatry, such behavior is called "Reaction Formation" which is a type of coping mechanism in which a person tries to show he doesn't like something or praises some other thing out of proportion to cope with something he subconsciously craves for. [MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION] being a psych himself might agree with me here about the behavior of AB here.

In my opinion, he should have just graciously retired like Morne Morkel did. Out of media's sights while keeping a low profile. He chose Kolpak route after retiring in order to be close to his family which is probably based in England or Australia I don't know. AB's reinforcement of his decisions around the same topic over and over again made him look like a hypocrite while in reality he may not be one or might be finding hard to cope with it.

 

[Savak]

Cricket South Africa took a professional and principled stance because in the future someone else might pull this stunt off so you want to discourage that. No one is bigger than the game and his team. Highly unprofessional that this was leaked but then again Cricket South Africa might wish to teach everyone a lesson that no one is bigger than their team.

To be honest ABD should have negotiated the picking and choosing, selective Cricket with the selectors and what his real plans were. A win win solution could have been found. Sadly he chose to retire and now will have to live with the consequences of that choice. Besides this whole episode shows the dearth of talent in South African Cricket and how South Africa will be in trouble now with the exit of ABD and Steyn. Someone like Amla would have been moved on a long while back but Cricket South Africa have been sticking to him due to lack of alternatives.

Even though South Africans won against Pakistan, i could clearly tell there were a lot of frailties in the South African team and the players were just not off the same calibre, quality as their previous legends.

 

[Savak]

Although it was okay in my opinion to retire from international cricket at any time, and 1 year prior to tournament is still fine-ish if there is something that must be hindering one to give their best. For example Shane Bond retired from international cricket 1 year or less before WC2011 citing fitness concerns. Damien Martyn reitired 3 months before WC cause he saw the axe falling on him.

But it's the manner of post retirement behavior of AB that irks me. He kept on saying how he doesn't regret retiring one bit and is totally at peace with his decision. He backtracks on his statements regarding being tired by playing almost all of the t20 leagues(which is fine if he wants to earn some handsome money) but he simply shouldn't have said that I am retiring because I am tired and can't travel much and then goes on to play all the t20 leagues abroad. Then he gives signals to un retire and quickly takes a u turn and goes on to say a particular league is bigger than the WC. After a month or two, we find out he reached out to management wanting to play the WC which totally makes all his previous statements zero context or meaning.

It seems to me like he is just unsure about what he's doing or what he has done and he had just been trying to justify his decision(even though he wanted to play the WC) by glorifying other competitions and stuff. In Psychiatry, such behavior is called "Reaction Formation" which is a type of coping mechanism in which a person tries to show he doesn't like something or praises some other thing out of proportion to cope with something he subconsciously craves for. [MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION] being a psych himself might agree with me here about the behavior of AB here.

In my opinion, he should have just graciously retired like Morne Morkel did. Out of media's sights while keeping a low profile. He chose Kolpak route after retiring in order to be close to his family which is probably based in England or Australia I don't know. AB's reinforcement of his decisions around the same topic over and over again made him look like a hypocrite while in reality he may not be one or might be finding hard to cope with it.

It was on the Game On Hai show where Shoaib Akhtar let out that Lahore Qalandars were unhappy with ABD's commitment and they had suspicions that he never had any real desire to come to Pakistan and only said yes to land the PSL deal and he won't be surprised if LQ refuse to sign him for next season. They let Gayle go as well.

 

[Savak]

I went to South Africa last year for the South Africa v Australia Test series.

People tend to forget that the Aussies won the First Test.

The one and only difference between Australia winning the series or South Africa winning was the batting of AB de Villiers.

People can spout nonsense about team spirit or the unit or loyalty.

It's complete hogwash.

In international sport you can't buy players to replace ones of similar standard.

If you lose your best batsman, his replacement is at best going to be your seventh best batsman, and he is going to be of a far lower caliber.

Consider who would replace Virat Kohli for India, or how Australia struggled when Smith and Warner were suspended.

Diego Maradona got special treatment from Argentina just as Cristiano Ronaldo does for Portugal.

And they led their teams to glory.

All cricketers are not equal. You cannot equate brilliant and mediocre players.

Lastly, it's offensive to see Indian and Aussie posters bang on about national loyalty. It's easy to be loyal when you earn over a million dollars per year.

AB is the only South African whom Cricket South Africa paid over $100,000 per year. When Morne Morkel left he was on $75,000 per year.

These guys are into the last couple of years of their careers and need to earn enough money to live off for the rest of their lives.

South African cricketers are badly paid because of the unequal distribution of ICC revenue, which massively favours India - unlike football where last year FIFA paid Germany $9.5 million and Belgium $25 million, even though Germany "delivered" twelve times as much TV revenue.

It is this unfair distribution of ICC revenue which drives cricketers from poorer countries away from international cricket and into the T20 leagues - exactly the same applies to Chris Gayle and Brendan McCullum, both of whom prematurely started missing national duty.

Holy crap, even Pakistani players make more than South African players based on their match fees alone. No wonder the South African players are opting for the Kolpak route. Why can't Cricket South Africa pay their players especially the elite players at the same level as Australia, England, India?

Also what kind of a life style can you live and enjoy in South Africa on $75,000 to $100,000 a year?

 

[Technics 1210]

Holy crap, even Pakistani players make more than South African players based on their match fees alone. No wonder the South African players are opting for the Kolpak route. Why can't Cricket South Africa pay their players especially the elite players at the same level as Australia, England, India?

Also what kind of a life style can you live and enjoy in South Africa on $75,000 to $100,000 a year?

This talk of cricketers need to make a living to justify franchise cricket is pure jokes. Long before franchise cricket, cricketers were earning a living, and lived comfortably.

 

[Revolution]

Respect ABD. Comments of Shoaib Akhtar on ABD was joke.

My question to Shoaib Akhtar why the same comments were not made by him when ABD signed PSL.

We RCBians love King kohli and ABD partnerships.

In karnataka, alphabetical order is ABD.

 

[Slim]

Shabby rightfully ripped into ABD who is a total disgrace of a person. All criticism coming towards is well deserved.

 

[foulu]

And you must have an even lower opinion of Akram, for his crimes are on an order of magnitude higher than what Aamir did...even a mere mention of Akram's name should sent shudder down the spines of all cricket fans and make them sick with disgust. The man threw multiple games and series and over many years, paid player under his captaincy to under perform, was convicted and banished from captaining and the only reason escaped a life ban a la Salim Malik, was because he was the Judge's favorite bowler.

But in reality we only talk about Akram in all glowing language and go ga-ga over his bowling prowess every time his name is mentioned, despite his profound and egregious crimes and damage to the sport of cricket, Amir's offense were indeed a no ball here and there...

Absolutely agree on this. Akram, in all truth, was a disgrace for Pakistan cricket and almost a convicted match fixer. I still cant get over what he did in 1999..i will never forgive him for that.

 

[Technics 1210]

Absolutely agree on this. Akram, in all truth, was a disgrace for Pakistan cricket and almost a convicted match fixer. I still cant get over what he did in 1999..i will never forgive him for that.

Here is a direct quote from the commission:

---------
This commission feels that all is not well here and that Wasim Akram is not above board. He has not co-operated with this Commission. It is only by giving Wasim Akram the benefit of the doubt after Ata-ur-Rehman changed his testimony in suspicious circumstances that he has not been found guilty of match-fixing. He cannot be said to be above suspicion.
---------

Sad but true. Most fans outside of Pakistan cricket are unaware of the reality.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

It was on the Game On Hai show where Shoaib Akhtar let out that Lahore Qalandars were unhappy with ABD's commitment and they had suspicions that he never had any real desire to come to Pakistan and only said yes to land the PSL deal and he won't be surprised if LQ refuse to sign him for next season. They let Gayle go as well.

I won't really pay much attention to what Shoaib claims and his "insider news". He is known to give baseless and sentimental statements a lot. He's the same person who claimed SRK to be his big brother and then in his book called the same person as conniving and that he should never have trusted him and stuff. He said Waqar and Afridi conspired against him in WC11 and accused Wasim for destroying his career and there's a ton more.

If they were all suspicious about AB's commitment, then they shouldn't have picked him in the draft and could have gone for Smith or Russell or anyone else.
Watto was also not prepared to come to Pak, but in the end he changed his mind and helped his team win the game. Maybe Watto was convinced in a better way this time around or changed his mind after getting assurance by the security team. In short, it's the franchise and their management who should be deciding who to pick or not. LQ probably has the worst management of all the franchises. You don't see PZ or IU giving immature statements cause they are run by more professional people.

AB ended his career silently but he was one of the main reasons behind the Test series victories over India and Aus. He won a lot of matches for his team and definitely is one of the most talented players to have ever played the game. He may have underachieved, yes, but this whole recent episode is just childish stuff by AB and Shoaib tbh has no business interfering in AB's or CSA's decision. However, saying that, I would still say how AB handled this all has been extremely poor for a guy of his stature and CSA have done a good thing in rejecting his request even though I am not a fan of CSA and their policies and so called transformation and quota rules.

 

[Markhor]

We made it clear that he would have to play during the home tours against Sri Lanka and Pakistan to be considered for selection, instead he signed to play in the Pakistan and Bangladesh Premier Leagues respectively. He turned down the offer and said he was at peace with his decision to retire.

The selection criteria was made clear. If AB wanted to play in this World Cup, he needed to play vs Pakistan and Sri Lanka. You cannot expect to waltz into the squad at the last minute no matter who you are.

And now by doing this retirement/unretirement drama and the news coming out after three disasterous WC results, the whole camp is under even more pressure.

 

[shaaik]

2019 Cricket World Cup: ‘Be a man’, don’t play gimmicks, Akhtar tells De Villiers

Akhtar criticised De Villiers for preferring cash-rich leagues when he should have made himself available for South Africa.

“Be a man” by sticking to your guns instead of playing “gimmicks”, former speedster Shoaib Akhtar told AB de Villiers after it came to light that the South African was keen to come out of retirement and play in the World Cup.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) rejected de Villiers’ offer, saying the selected players should represent the country in the World Cup as he himself had not paid heed to Board’s pleas when he took the retirement call.

The former Pakistan cricketer said de Villiers preferred money over country by playing in IPL and PSL and then retiring, though he still had two years of international cricket left in him.

You had these last two years. People would have remembered you. It was not a correct decision. Now you want to come back it is not more than a gimmick. Taking retirement was already a wrong decision and now the offer to come out of it again is a wrong call. If you have taken a decision, ‘be a man’ and stick to your guns. You don’t clear your name like this,” Akhtar fumed in video posted on his youtube channel.


“The country is down and out (in Word Cup) because of you. If you were there in middle order and would have turned around. It’s sad that you chose money over country.”

South Africa’s semifinal chances have taken a hit after three defeats in a row.

Akhtar criticised De Villiers for preferring cash-rich leagues when he should have made himself available for South Africa.

“He took this decision keeping in mind his finances. He should not have forgotten that country comes first. You still had two years of cricket left in you. You could have played this World Cup and the T20 World Cup next year. Yet you preferred to play in IPL and PSL and then took retirement.

“I don’t mind people making money but do it in right way. Now to clear your name you have made this offer but management has denied it categorically. They denied him the big headlines.

“You are a real man when you leave money. Kerry Packer happened and it was wrong. I was offered millions of dollars to play in ICL and was told not to play for Pakistan but I did not do that. I took half the money and played in IPL,” he said.

https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cric...-akhtar-tells-de-villiers/article27696649.ece


[utube]4lhn1q8P6-Q[/utube]

 

[Junaids]

Holy crap, even Pakistani players make more than South African players based on their match fees alone. No wonder the South African players are opting for the Kolpak route. Why can't Cricket South Africa pay their players especially the elite players at the same level as Australia, England, India?

Also what kind of a life style can you live and enjoy in South Africa on $75,000 to $100,000 a year?

This is the problem.

You can live a blighted life in a dangerous township on poor money in South Africa, but to live in a secure complex where your wife and kids are safe costs a lot of money.

It’s why so many South African players give up national duty for economic security (think Morkel and Abbott) but it’s also why the three countries most frequently linked to matchfixing are Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa.

 

[KingKhanWC]

This is the problem.

You can live a blighted life in a dangerous township on poor money in South Africa, but to live in a secure complex where your wife and kids are safe costs a lot of money.

It’s why so many South African players give up national duty for economic security (think Morkel and Abbott) but it’s also why the three countries most frequently linked to matchfixing are Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa.

Nonsense, he could still play & make good money playing T20 leagues without selllimg out his country just before the World Cup too

 

[Savak]

This is the problem.

You can live a blighted life in a dangerous township on poor money in South Africa, but to live in a secure complex where your wife and kids are safe costs a lot of money.

It’s why so many South African players give up national duty for economic security (think Morkel and Abbott) but it’s also why the three countries most frequently linked to matchfixing are Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa.

I once remember reading an article that Makhaya Ntini was struggling financially after retirement. Even Graeme Pollock had reached out to the BCCI for financial help because Cricket South Africa were not doing enough to help him in retirement. No wonder so many South African cricketers are opting for the Kolpak route.

One would imagine that a highly successful Cricket team like South Africa would have been rich enough to support their players comfortably but even the PCB which has had zero international cricket in Pakistan for the last decade is not in such dire straits in comparison.

 

[The Viper]

Faf opens up on AB saga: We're still friends

Proteas captain Faf du Plessis has opened up on the AB de Villiers media storm that rocked the World Cup squad last week.

Southampton - Skipper Faf du Plessis has opened up on the AB de Villiers media storm that rocked the Proteas camp last week.

News broke last Thursday alleging that De Villiers, who retired from international cricket in May last year, had made himself available to the national side just hours before the squad was announced on April 18.

At the time, CSA convenor of selectors Linda Zondi said that he had heard of De Villiers' availability on the morning of the squad announcement while Proteas coach Ottis Gibson said he had also only heard from De Villiers in the hours before the announcement.

Speaking to media at the Rose Bowl on Monday following South Africa's washed-out clash against the West Indies, Du Plessis, who has been friends with De Villiers since childhood, says he first learned of De Villiers' availability on the day before the World Cup squad was announced.

While both Du Plessis and De Villiers were at the IPL at the time, the skipper says it was not a face-to-face conversation.

"He didn't come to me. It was just a conversation, a phone-call the night before the team got announced," Du Plessis confirmed.

"It was just a 'This is what I'm feeling'.

"I said to him that I thought it was too late but that I would check in with the coach and the selectors the next morning to get their opinion on it as the squad was already announced or picked.

"When I spoke to the coach and the selectors the next day, they all agreed that it was way, way too late to change the team."

While the news breaking mid-World Cup obviously came as an unwanted distraction, Du Plessis believes that the Proteas squad was still mentally strong and that it had not affected them.

It was a sentiment shared by batting coach Dale Benkenstein.

"The batters are not thinking about AB ... they've got enough to think about," he said.

"They are the ones here and they all deserve to be here. This is their story and they've got to put it right."

In addressing his relationship with De Villiers, Du Plessis downplayed the events of last week.

"AB and I are still friends," he said.

"This incident has not changed that. This is a small thing for a friendship that goes so way back."

The Proteas are next in action when they take on Afghanistan in Cardiff on Saturday.

https://www.sport24.co.za/Cricket/CricketWorldCup2019/faf-opens-up-on-ab-saga-were-still-friends-20190610

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Faf du Plessis "AB de Villiers called me the night before the World Cup squad was to be announced - I said to him I think it's too late" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> <a href="https://t.co/NREfOsk7CB">pic.twitter.com/NREfOsk7CB</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1138167426942717952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Saj]

AB de Villiers reputation has really taken a hammering these last few days.

The all-conquering hero being shown up by his former skipper, coach and others.

 

[shrestha]

AB is AB. He is GOAT. When he said he would focus on ODIs and quit tests, SA management apparently said AB is picking and choosing and that seems like a primary reason he retired.

When AB showed interest in playing, yeah it is bit unfare but look at the SA team and their batting, it looks very fragile. His inclusion would have made a world of a difference. For the greater good/chance of doing better in World Cup, they should have got him in. When is the next time a player like AB will come around?

 

[Ab Fan]

AB is AB. He is GOAT. When he said he would focus on ODIs and quit tests, SA management apparently said AB is picking and choosing and that seems like a primary reason he retired.

When AB showed interest in playing, yeah it is bit unfare but look at the SA team and their batting, it looks very fragile. His inclusion would have made a world of a difference. For the greater good/chance of doing better in World Cup, they should have got him in. When is the next time a player like AB will come around?

Agree! Finally a second good post in this thread.

 

[Pakistanian]

He chose the IPL over his country now he should stick with his poor decisions. He will never be a world champion or among the all time greats.

 

[GrandMaster]

I hope Afridi gets inspired by ABDV and comes out of retirement. It would be more fun tbh. Anyone else agree?

 

[Hasan123]

This guy truly has no shame. There's a article on Sky Sports where he refuses to rule playing for South Africa if he has the chance.

If he said he wasn't available for any formats when he retired, why is he suddenly now refusing to rule out a return ? Clearly trying to save face after humiliating himself.

 

[Ab Fan]

He didn't handled the situation well. He wanted something which ended up hurting his image and in trying to prove himself right, he messed up things further.

I think we are all better off moving from all this. South African fans who dislike them, should remember that he had been a phenomenal cricketer for them for the first 12 years(2004-2015) of his career across all the formats and won his country several matches with the bat, on field and with gloves as well.

He has been one of their best ever batsmen taking all formats into consideration and was a good team-man for a long part.

 

[Hasan123]

Lol of course a fan of his would want to move. No one will forget his batting but his retirement and how he handled it won’t be forgotten.

If he just said he wants to retire to make money , I would have no problem. But he goes on about being tired, even denying that he didn’t pick and choose games which he clearly did when he didn’t play tests for a year.

Great batter but a selfish and egotistical person. South Africa deserve players who want to wear the shirt with honour and pride in every game.

 

[light]

Lol of course a fan of his would want to move. No one will forget his batting but his retirement and how he handled it won’t be forgotten.

If he just said he wants to retire to make money , I would have no problem. But he goes on about being tired, even denying that he didn’t pick and choose games which he clearly did when he didn’t play tests for a year.

Great batter but a selfish and egotistical person. South Africa deserve players who want to wear the shirt with honour and pride in every game.

Always easy to judge behind a screen, but you don't really know what a person is going through in the background. Before you start grilling me about AB fan, am not.

 

[sweep_shot]

I think South Africa should try to get ABD for 2020 World T20. After that, ABD should be finished for good.

 

[Hasan123]

Always easy to judge behind a screen, but you don't really know what a person is going through in the background. Before you start grilling me about AB fan, am not.

He is telling us what is going . He said he wants to play in T20 leagues and spend time with his family.

Now he is saying he won't rule out coming back to international cricket. Why does he keep changing his mind ?

 

[light]

He is telling us what is going . He said he wants to play in T20 leagues and spend time with his family.

Now he is saying he won't rule out coming back to international cricket. Why does he keep changing his mind ?

Well since I started traveling quite a bit for my work, I understand his mindset. To some, my job may sound luxarious, but in reality, got bored of luxary hotels, food, etc quite fast. Don't get to see family on a regular basis. So putting my situation on his shoe, starts to makes sense. A full tour could last 1-2 months sometimes. If he plays couple of full tours in a year, he doesn't get to see his friends/family almost all the time. Mental fatigue, bro. Mental fatigue. You can't escape from it.

 

[Hasan123]

Well since I started traveling quite a bit for my work, I understand his mindset. To some, my job may sound luxarious, but in reality, got bored of luxary hotels, food, etc quite fast. Don't get to see family on a regular basis. So putting my situation on his shoe, starts to makes sense. A full tour could last 1-2 months sometimes. If he plays couple of full tours in a year, he doesn't get to see his friends/family almost all the time. Mental fatigue, bro. Mental fatigue. You can't escape from it.

The IPL is nearly 2 months. You travel nearly every other day and spend all that time away from your family.

He should be making statements about returning to international cricket after retiring. He’s just trying to save face.

 

[WC-Passion]

He's been a bit of a sellout but to call him a glorified slogger or not rate his ability is a load of rubbish. Good decision not to call him up by RSA. They would've not won the WC with him anyway.

 

[cricketAXEpert]

Respect??
Lol.
He made himself available on the eve of the last CW squad submission day (20 odd may).
He was just probably bored that's it.

He Should have made himself available to Pakistan. He had a better chance making into that squad, although he never played for them.

 

[MenInG]

There may be no red carpet but the door is still open for AB de Villiers to play his way into the Proteas team for the T20 World Cup later this year.

Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) director of cricket Graeme Smith was careful not to overstate De Villiers’ case for inclusion but admitted there were discussions happening‚ albeit very much behind the scenes and in hushed tones.

“I think it is great that AB has expressed his desire to be back in the system. Those chats (with De Villiers) aren’t formal but we are looking at options around the T20 World Cup‚” said Smith.

De Villiers’ potential inclusion would be part of a wider strategy.

“We would be stupid not to look at the free agents who play in most T20 around the world. The West Indies have had success with some of those guys.

“We are looking at when those players who want to be part of that World Cup need to be part of the set-up.

"Post Indian Premier League we’ve got 11 to 14 T20 games before the World Cup. We’ve got a lot of cricket to build a squad‚” he said in reference to De Villiers who quit the international scene in 2018.

Smith‚ since he was installed just prior to the start of the England tour on a three-month contract‚ has had to tip-toe a minefield in his high pressure job.

He had to front questions about how SA’s marquee player‚ Kagiso Rababa‚ has to be pulled into line after the star bowler again fell foul of ICC regulations pertaining to onfield conduct in the third Test against England in Port Elizabeth.

As a result Rabada will miss the fourth and final Test between SA and England at the Wanderers due to accumulated demerit points.

Smith insisted on Wednesday that Rabada’s absence from the team for repeated infractions needs to be nipped in the bud.

He said it was a matter that is being dealt with and that national team coach Mark Boucher has had discussions with Rabada.

Smith was equally on the front foot about Quinton de Kock’s appointment as ODI captain and Faf du Plessis’ demotion from that role.

He was loath to say Du Plessis was dropped as captain.

De Kock has been installed as the permanent ODI captain and not just for the series against England.

“It has been our intention to put a succession plan in place for 2023. We see him playing a role but from a leadership perspective we see an opportunity to move forward in the one-day arena.

“And Faf is honest he won’t be around in 2023. Leadership has been an issue in South African cricket and we felt we should give Quinnie an opportunity.

“Tactically he’s good but there are areas of his leadership that he needs to grow and develop. He is the right guy at this stage to take the team forward.”

Smith said they will review the T20 leadership at a later stage.

He stressed that until further notice Du Plessis will remain as Test captain.

“Ultimately he is the South African Test captain‚" he said.

"The next series is in the Caribbean and that will be part of all the discussion I’ll will have with Faf. Where does he see himself going forward.

“I really wanted him to focus on this Test series. His own performance and leading the team. For far too long he’s had too much to deal with and too much to talk about. I really did not want that to happen but it has.

“His record in white ball cricket is outstanding and it would be silly not to have him involved.

“Again‚ it is about how he sees himself going forward.”

https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/sport...cricket-sas-director-of-cricket-graeme-smith/

 

[Hasan123]

Today he wants to play at the World T20. Tommorow he will probably not want too. What a circus this is

 

[Aman]

I saw him play a match in the BBL, he looked like he had lost his hand eye and was struggling to get the ball away. Looked old =\

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Even a peak AB won't make ant difference to Saffers fortunes.

 

[MenInG]

The coronavirus pandemic could scupper any hopes of AB de Villiers making a return to the Proteas team for the T20 World Cup.

The 36-year-old was thought to be considering coming out of retirement and making a return to international cricket for the tournament that is scheduled to start in Australia in October.

De Villiers was thought to want to play in the IPL first before making himself available for the Proteas but the T20 franchise event is in danger of being cancelled.

The ICC could also postpone the T20 World Cup to next year, which De Villiers says will make him rethink any decision about his future.

De Villiers told Rapport: "If the tournament is postponed to next year, a whole lot of things will change.

"At the moment I feel available but at the same time, I don't know how my body will feel then and if I will be fit.

"If I am 100% as good as I want to be, then I will be available.

"But if I am not, I won't open myself up to that because I am not the type of person who does things at 80%."

If De Villiers does make a return to international cricket, he does not just want to walk straight back into the Proteas side.

The batsman revealed he will have to show he is still in good form and impress national coach Mark Boucher.

De Villiers said: "I'll have to do the trials and show Boucher I'm still good enough.

"They should choose me because I'm really better than the guy next to me.

"I've never been the type of person who felt I should get just what I wanted.

"I can't walk into the team. Like every other player, I have to work for my place and deserve it."

The Proteas are scheduled to play white-ball matches in Sri Lanka in June and five T20Is in the West Indies in July-August which de Villiers could be part of but those games are in doubt because of the current coronavirus pandemic.


https://www.sport24.co.za/Cricket/P...scupper-de-villiers-proteas-comeback-20200413

 

[Abdullah719]

"Been Asked By Cricket South Africa To Lead Team Again": AB De Villiers

Cricket South Africa has asked AB de Villiers "to lead the national side once again" but the dashing batsman wants to ensure that he is in top form when the time comes for donning the national colours. De Villiers, an explosive batsman, announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket in May, 2018 but of late there has been talks of an imminent return in the national team. "The desire is there from my side to play for South Africa and have been asked by Cricket South Africa to lead the Proteas again," the 36-year-old De Villiers, who played 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20s, said during Star Sports show 'Cricket Connected'.

But the former captain said that he will only make a comeback if he feels that he is good enough to play at the international level even though he has been a regular on franchise circuit.

"The most important thing to me is that I have got to be in top form and I have got to be better than the player next to me. If I feel I deserve my spot in the side, it becomes much easier for me to feel that I should be part of the playing XI," he said.

"I have not been part of the Proteas for a while and I feel that it's important for myself and for other people to see that I am still good enough to be there," he said.

South Africa coach Mark Boucher had earlier said that De Villiers would be considered in the national team for the T20 World Cup to be held in Australia only if he shows good form and proves himself to be the "best man for the job".

But in wake of COVID-19, De Villiers is still not sure when next round of cricket will be played.

"However, with the virus going around, I don't know what's going to happen with the schedule," he signed off.

https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/ab-...rica-asked-him-to-lead-the-side-again-2220315

 

[Abdullah719]

"Been Asked By Cricket South Africa To Lead Team Again": AB De Villiers

Cricket South Africa has asked AB de Villiers "to lead the national side once again" but the dashing batsman wants to ensure that he is in top form when the time comes for donning the national colours. De Villiers, an explosive batsman, announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket in May, 2018 but of late there has been talks of an imminent return in the national team. "The desire is there from my side to play for South Africa and have been asked by Cricket South Africa to lead the Proteas again," the 36-year-old De Villiers, who played 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20s, said during Star Sports show 'Cricket Connected'.

But the former captain said that he will only make a comeback if he feels that he is good enough to play at the international level even though he has been a regular on franchise circuit.

"The most important thing to me is that I have got to be in top form and I have got to be better than the player next to me. If I feel I deserve my spot in the side, it becomes much easier for me to feel that I should be part of the playing XI," he said.

"I have not been part of the Proteas for a while and I feel that it's important for myself and for other people to see that I am still good enough to be there," he said.

South Africa coach Mark Boucher had earlier said that De Villiers would be considered in the national team for the T20 World Cup to be held in Australia only if he shows good form and proves himself to be the "best man for the job".

But in wake of COVID-19, De Villiers is still not sure when next round of cricket will be played.

"However, with the virus going around, I don't know what's going to happen with the schedule," he signed off.

https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/ab-...rica-asked-him-to-lead-the-side-again-2220315

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Reports suggesting Cricket SA have asked me to lead the Proteas are just not true. It's hard to know what to believe these days. Crazy times. Stay safe everyone.</p>— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) <a href="https://twitter.com/ABdeVilliers17/status/1255480361766846464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Rajdeep]

I hope he comes back, atleast as a player. SA needs him dearly.

 

[Savak]

I don't like kindly on individuals who abandon their countries when they need them the most.

 

[andy0204]

I don't like kindly on individuals who abandon their countries when they need them the most.

Agree with you.

 

[therealAB]

De Villiers was a fantastic player but his reputation is going to go to sh!t if he keeps doing this stuff. Needs to act in the best interests of the team

 

[MenInG]

AB de Villiers again expressed his desire to return to international cricket, further fuelling speculation that fans of "Mr 360" will see him in the Proteas green and gold as soon as cricket resumes.

Speaking to SuperSport commentator Mpumelelo Mbangwa on Instagram Live, De Villiers responded to a question posed by one of the thousands of fans who tuned in asking whether he would play for South Africa again if selected for the T20 World Cup (scheduled for October this year in Australia).

He again reiterated that he was in conversation with Proteas head coach Mark Boucher and Cricket South Africa (CSA) director of cricket Graeme Smith. De Villiers is understood to be very close to the pair, whom he played with in the past.

"I would absolutely love to play [for the Proteas] but it's so unsure at the moment, where we're heading with cricket around the world," said De Villiers.

"I've spoken to 'Bouch' and 'Smithy' and all of them and the urge is there. I would desperately want to represent my country again.

"[But] I can't commit to that because I don't know where I'm headed. Am I going to be fit if [the T20 World Cup] happens in 2021? Am I still going to be in form?

"If I do commit to something like that I'd like to think that I'm going to be in the best form of my life, so I can bat and score runs for my country.

"There's a lot of factors that I can't control at the moment, so I'm taking it one day at a time and, touch wood, everything will work out."

Recently, De Villiers also told Afrikaans weekly newspaper Rapport that he "feels available" but was cautious to commit to coming out of retirement outright.

The former Proteas captain retired sensationally from international cricket in 2018 citing a variety of personal reasons but made an about turn moments before last year’s 50-over World Cup squad was announced.

The latter move received widespread criticism and condemnation, with some attributing the lacklustre Proteas performances in Britain last year to the ongoing disruptions to the camp.

Nonetheless, De Villiers, now 36, enjoys a massive following of people who would love to see him play for South Africa again.

In 78 T20 internationals, De Villiers averaged 26.12 and ended his career at that point with a top score of 79-not out against Scotland at The Oval in 2009 during that year's T20 World Cup. He also maintained a batting career average of 50 or more in Tests and One Day Internationals.

"Playing for my country was never a right; it was the biggest privilege of my life," he said.

"It's not something that you just get and it's never belonged to me. I did something that I love and it was always deeper than playing cricket. It was a battle for South Africa."


https://www.sport24.co.za/Cricket/Proteas/ab-desperate-to-play-for-proteas-again-20200511

 

[MenInG]

he past failures of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL will not affect the team, skipper Virat Kohli said. RCB is yet to win an IPL title - a burden that its players have long carried.

“I spoke to A.B. de Villiers about this. We’ve never felt so calm going into an IPL before. He is batting like it is 2011; he is fit as ever. We’re disconnecting with the past. We’re not carrying any baggage, something we’ve done too many times in the past,” Kohli said in the RCB Bold Diaries interview.

The star batsman explained that the current squad is well balanced. “The reason why Chris Morris has been included is that he brings balance to the team. Some of the youngsters are quite exciting too. Aaron Finch has a lot of international experience; Josh Philippe is very exciting. We have a great balance of experience, T20 skill and eager youngsters. This is the most balanced squad since our memorable 2016 season,” Kohli said.

Kohli added that playing at only three venues, and staying at the same hotel through the duration of the IPL makes life easy for players. “All teams will know the three venues inside out. This makes a more level-playing field. It will boil down to skill,” he said.

https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cric...-de-villiers-cricket-news/article32544840.ece

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Now, that the penny has dropped. What one saw last night was unreal. And the feeling is the same waking up. <a href="https://twitter.com/ABdeVilliers17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ABdeVilliers17</a>, the game in these trying times or otherwise needs you back in the international arena and out of retirement. The game will be better off <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvKKR?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvKKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2020?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/s9BG6MxiCv">pic.twitter.com/s9BG6MxiCv</a></p>— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) <a href="https://twitter.com/RaviShastriOfc/status/1315872123580305409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Now, that the penny has dropped. What one saw last night was unreal. And the feeling is the same waking up. <a href="https://twitter.com/ABdeVilliers17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ABdeVilliers17</a>, the game in these trying times or otherwise needs you back in the international arena and out of retirement. The game will be better off <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvKKR?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvKKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2020?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/s9BG6MxiCv">pic.twitter.com/s9BG6MxiCv</a></p>— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) <a href="https://twitter.com/RaviShastriOfc/status/1315872123580305409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

So Ravi Shastri wants a 36 year old Devilliers to come out of retirement? I would like to know the reason behind this?

 

[Ab Fan]

This is big, its coming from a legendary coach from the most powerful cricket nation in the world.

ABD should take back his retirement. The game needs a better, stronger and competitive South African team otherwise it will be all Big '3' show.

We neutral fans no longer want a historically strong South African team to get thrashed to the likes of West Indies, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh every Saturday and lying down at the bottom of the standings in World Cup and Test Championship. It is unacceptable now.

Cricket South Africa must consider this and make a smarter decision. The long list of matches they have lost in the past couple of years are there to be seen for everyone.

 

[MenInG]

Centurion: South Africa head coach Mark Boucher has hinted at AB de Villiers’s possible international comeback ahead of the T20 World Cup.

The former South Africa wicketkeeper-batsman has also revealed the conversation he had with De Villiers ahead of the IPL 2021.

Boucher stated that the conversation was ‘still very much open’ and he will communicate with de Villiers again very soon.

“I did chat to him before he went to the IPL. The conversation is still very much open. AB being the person he is, he wanted to perform very well at the IPL, to prove to himself and everyone else that he is still a very key figure in world cricket and could dominate at that level,” Boucher told reporters yesterday.

“I said to him: ‘go do your thing, and I’ll give you a shout towards the back end of the IPL.’ So that is where we are with him,” Boucher added.

De Villiers, announced his retirement from international cricket in May 2018 has been playing franchise cricket all over the World. The 37-year-old is in the news for his return to competitive cricket last year before the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

ARY

 

[Ozymandiasza]

This is big, its coming from a legendary coach from the most powerful cricket nation in the world.

ABD should take back his retirement. The game needs a better, stronger and competitive South African team otherwise it will be all Big '3' show.

We neutral fans no longer want a historically strong South African team to get thrashed to the likes of West Indies, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh every Saturday and lying down at the bottom of the standings in World Cup and Test Championship. It is unacceptable now.

Cricket South Africa must consider this and make a smarter decision. The long list of matches they have lost in the past couple of years are there to be seen for everyone.

It seems all the Big 3 want is the "all Big '3' show", making everything about money. Some posters here have defended that greedy viewpoint mentioning the world has changed and things are about money. I disagree, and they are about 50 years behind. I'm sure many posters have noticed that most modern corporations pander to the SJW group. This is because most modern consumers are conscious consumers and support corporations that do more than just make money (even though it's all a con, but that's another matter). Although you can argue to the contrary, just like music, sport has intrinsic value. What do you call musicians that make music JUST for money, or to satisfy their recording label? Sellouts. Given the honourable Ravi Shastri's country - the location of the T20 WC, "the most powerful cricket nation in the world", do you honestly think he wants AB to participate for intrinsic value or to increase the money they can make?

Given his history with CSA, the insults he had to endure, media leaks, I don't blame him if he tells CSA to go fly a kite. Eitherway, I'm all for AB giving it one last go. It would be amazing if we win a WC because of him.

 

[Hasan123]

I don't see him making a comeback.

 

[TheNightWatchman]

What he did was pretty selfish. I think South Africa is better off rebuilding without him. They have plenty of talent and will be back on their feet as a side to be reckoned with soon enough.

 

[bujhee kom]

Best to move on. ABDV is an ATG but his time has passed.

 

[Last Monetarist]

I don't see the point in de Villiers coming out of retirement to derail the team again, it's not as if the South African team has a realistic chance of winning the tournament. They should use the opportunity to give experience to the next generation of cricketers such as Verreynne and Malan.

 

[bujhee kom]

With their power-packed batting, RSA are a decent shout for the T20 WC. They have power in abundance and the first choice bowling is top notch.

 

[Ab Fan]

It seems all the Big 3 want is the "all Big '3' show", making everything about money. Some posters here have defended that greedy viewpoint mentioning the world has changed and things are about money. I disagree, and they are about 50 years behind. I'm sure many posters have noticed that most modern corporations pander to the SJW group. This is because most modern consumers are conscious consumers and support corporations that do more than just make money (even though it's all a con, but that's another matter). Although you can argue to the contrary, just like music, sport has intrinsic value. What do you call musicians that make music JUST for money, or to satisfy their recording label? Sellouts. Given the honourable Ravi Shastri's country - the location of the T20 WC, "the most powerful cricket nation in the world", do you honestly think he wants AB to participate for intrinsic value or to increase the money they can make?

Given his history with CSA, the insults he had to endure, media leaks, I don't blame him if he tells CSA to go fly a kite. Eitherway, I'm all for AB giving it one last go. It would be amazing if we win a WC because of him.

One player will not make any difference to the overall revenue generated in the WT20. There are enough superstars in the game to generate huge amount of revenue going into this WT20. However, if AB has to prolong his IPL career, maybe from that perspective he might look for a shot in WT20 because then he can hang on for a couple of more IPL seasons.

Having said that, in the best interest of game and game lovers, I am all for AB's comeback for the WT20. The game now doesn't have the privilege of watching same batsman capable of batting like Pujara and Pollard both.

I have not followed the WT20s as closely in the past as I maybe this time around due to the lockdowns and staying at home but on an overall level, AB's presence or absence in WT20 will not make much of a difference in regards to CSA's future.

 

[Ozymandiasza]

One player will not make any difference to the overall revenue generated in the WT20. There are enough superstars in the game to generate huge amount of revenue going into this WT20. However, if AB has to prolong his IPL career, maybe from that perspective he might look for a shot in WT20 because then he can hang on for a couple of more IPL seasons.

Having said that, in the best interest of game and game lovers, I am all for AB's comeback for the WT20. The game now doesn't have the privilege of watching same batsman capable of batting like Pujara and Pollard both.

I have not followed the WT20s as closely in the past as I maybe this time around due to the lockdowns and staying at home but on an overall level, AB's presence or absence in WT20 will not make much of a difference in regards to CSA's future.

I disagree, I recall multiple matches of him winning the match almost singlehandedly for his team. Many of them in the IPL. A player of his caliber, or what his caliber use to be, can easily sway a match in a matter of moments and thus affect SA's chances and viewership. No doubt SA will be a stronger team with him in the WC, but as Last Monetarist said, in the long term this would not be fair or wise.

 

[Saj]

International cricket needs players like him and South Africa need him badly also.

I hope he has a change of heart regarding retirement and we see him playing at the T20 World Cup this year.

He's a tremendous player and the world of cricket is a better place when guys like him are playing.