Why is there so much criticism for AB de Villiers?

[Leo23]

The way people are criticizing him for opting to play in t20 franchise cricket instead of test cricket for south africa is ridiculous

It is not as if he has ran away from international duty after 20 tests

He has played 100 TESTS for south africa and has even agreed to keep wickets for the team which has damaged his back and the effects are visible now

At this age of his career with his current fitness levels it makes perfect sense for him to avoid 5 day cricket and focus on limited overs cricket because of less stress on his body and more money because he has little cricket left in him and he has to secure his and his family's future

Not to mention that south african cricket has become a big mess because of all these racial quotas

How is he different to the thousands of desis who have moved to the west for more money and better future?

How is he different to you and me? where was our patriotism and national duty?

If we are criticizing de villiers for putting himself and his family first we should also criticize ourselves because we have done the same

 

[Slog]

Cuz he is a money grabbing sell out

And with respect to all desis abroad most of them did not owe their country of birth their career and success as it wasn't a result of it

Whatever AB is today is because of SA cricket

Finally. lol at securing his future. It already is as far as finances are concerned

Your point about serving his dues by playing 100 tests has merit.

However what irks many people is how he has treated SA cricket as his personal fiefdom. He chooses what he wants to do. Is not given captaincy in tests so throws a big tantrum and when he is given the captaincy decides he's not up for it anymore. And blatant politics to get his buddy Faf into the team

 

[Leo23]

Cuz he is a money grabbing sell out

And with respect to all desis abroad most of them did not owe their country of birth their career and success as it wasn't a result of it

Whatever AB is today is because of SA cricket

Finally. lol at securing his future. It already is as far as finances are concerned

Your point about serving his dues by playing 100 tests has merit.

However what irks many people is how he has treated SA cricket as his personal fiefdom. He chooses what he wants to do. Is not given captaincy in tests so throws a big tantrum and when he is given the captaincy decides he's not up for it anymore. And blatant politics to get his buddy Faf into the team

playing ipl over test cricket for the next few years will make him at least 3 times richer

who can say no to so much money?

it easy to use words like "money grabbing sell out" when we have never been in a position to say no to millions

almost everyone criticizing de villiers will do the same if he is in the same position

patriotism and national duty have a price too and people discard them if that price is paid

 

[mak36]

Of course he has run away.

You have completely misrepresented the facts. Had he retired then no-one would have had a problem. As you said, he is entitled to do that especially given how long he is played for SA.

However, he has (and continues to) string everyone along by taking a "break" from the national team whilst swanning around the globe playing cricket in these tamasha leagues. As good a player he is, no one should be thought to be bigger than the team. This is exactly what Ashwell Prince and Herschelle Gibbs were talking about. None of the greats treated their national team like this.

To top it all of, whilst he is twiddling his thumsbs he has the audacity to tweet his "support" for the Proteas. The best way he could support them is by actually bloody playing or retiring. This middle of the road approach is not doing him or SA any favours.

 

[kingusama92]

I think the "hate" has more to do with how drawn out it's become.

Leaving the team in limbo isn't appropriate.

 

[mak36]

I think the "hate" has more to do with how drawn out it's become.

Leaving the team in limbo isn't appropriate.

Exactly. OP is talking as if AB has retired.

Given he hasn't, I would have thought the issue was pretty obvious.

 

[Hasan123]

His antics and attitude towards playing for his country are the reason he gets critizced. I don't have a problem with him wanting to retire from tests but the problem he hasn't retired he is choosing to make himself not available. Which is making him come across to most people as a soft and weak hearted cricketer. South Africa need him and the responsibility would he on him to perform, the fact he's choosing to not make himself available for test cricket is giving people the impression that he doesn't have the heart and character.

Also his fan base are cringe worthy at times. As soon as you criticism you get called all sorts just because you don't rate him as highly as them.

For me he'll never be in the elite tier of batsmen even though he had the ability. No one will question his ability and his ability to entertain, but he's a soft cricketer who's ultimately failed to take the responsibility to guide his nation through a difficult period in tests, and he's failed to take his team over the line in ICC tournament. Whilst I won't blame him solely he should take some of the blame.

A brilliant entertainer with freakish abilities, but an atg cricketer? Not for me.

 

[Hitman]

For one reason only, his attitude towards the game. Hate is a big word but a lot of fans have lost respect for him.

 

[thehub]

too much drama from him. that's why everybody is getting frustrated. Nobody hates him, especially with the talent he possess.

 

[Sachin136]

6 months ago he was everyone's favorite. But it is his choice to decide which format he wants to play, and I'm sure he's made that clear with the tema.

 

[Sachin136]

Cuz he is a money grabbing sell out

And with respect to all desis abroad most of them did not owe their country of birth their career and success as it wasn't a result of it

Whatever AB is today is because of SA cricket

Finally. lol at securing his future. It already is as far as finances are concerned

Your point about serving his dues by playing 100 tests has merit.

However what irks many people is how he has treated SA cricket as his personal fiefdom. He chooses what he wants to do. Is not given captaincy in tests so throws a big tantrum and when he is given the captaincy decides he's not up for it anymore. And blatant politics to get his buddy Faf into the team

Sell out? He can play whatever he wants for any reason, from enjoyment to money. He isn't a sell out for not playing tests. After all, cricket is a job, and everyone wants to make the most money they can make.

Faf makes the team on merit.

 

[ManFan]

Because he has chosen money over team. Viv Richards had to choose between a million dollar check in the 80's to go to SA or stay with the WI team. He chose to continue to lead the team. He's remembered differently today because of that decision. Money is not everything. It cannot buy respect.

 

[Slog]

For one reason only, his attitude towards the game. Hate is a big word but a lot of fans have lost respect for him.

This.

If he had just retired from tests and said that his body doesn't allow him to play the longer format anymore than people would have criticised for a bit and then let it go. He has more than given his dues keynote 100+ tests.

However what irks a lot of people is the blatant disrespect to the team, his teammates and the sport

 

[shaz619]

Quota's are a talking point, his fitness and also the fact that he has paid his dues. But regardless of his position it's better to reach a conclusive decision with regards to his Test career.

However, while I believe that he should retire unless he does not commit to South Africa; it doesn't belittle how I rate him all of a sudden as an individual batsman because he's a world class player who has achieved excellence across all formats, averaging 50+ in both Tests and ODI's over such a big sample is no joke.

Fans have overly criticised him though, it's a bit strange; he has largely been a fan favourite who is great to watch from an entertainment POV as well. Also, don't get why the foreign fans are being creepy, I doubt South African fans give him this much stick. If he was a Pakistan player I'd get the hate to an extent but I'd still appreciate what they player has achieved for his country, anyhow non-saffers are being creepy with the whole thing.

 

[shaz619]

Non-Saffers are behaving as if they caught ABDV in bed with their misses bloody hell, relax guys. He didn't kill anyone. Yeah we get it that he should make a conclusive decision on his Test career but getting your knickers in a twist over this makes no sense to me when he's not even an international player from the country you support.

 

[James]

Because he deserves it.

 

[shaz619]

Because he deserves it.

He wasn't born in Yorkshire mate.

 

[Hasan123]

Non-Saffers are behaving as if they caught ABDV in bed with their misses bloody hell, relax guys. He didn't kill anyone. Yeah we get it that he should make a conclusive decision on his Test career but getting your knickers in a twist over this makes no sense to me when he's not even an international player from the country you support.

Who is AB to decide when he plays for South Africa and when he doesn't? He deserves all the critiscm he gets, a soft and weak hearted cricketer. Anyday I'll take Greame Smith over Mr 360 degrees.

 

[CanadianG00se]

Who is AB to decide when he plays for South Africa and when he doesn't? He deserves all the critiscm he gets, a soft and weak hearted cricketer. Anyday I'll take Greame Smith over Mr 360 degrees.

CSA are equally to be blamed. If AB is chosing which series to play and which to not, then why is CSA allowing this to happen?
Why can't they just make AB retire or give him an ultimatum to decide on his future.

If my memories serves me right, not so long ago AB did decided to retire from test but CSA ask AB to reconisder. So, id say the real culprit is CSA for being incompetent for not able to find AB's replacement.

AB had clearly mentioned that his desire is to play ODIs and win worldcup for South Africa, and he also stated that he have no desire to reach 10K test runs.

Now fans are being harsh on AB if the other batsmen are just incompetent to compete against top sides. So yea, lets blame AB a guy who had played 100+ test matches and won countless games for South Africa.

No one will remember that AB scored 10K runs (if he does) 20 years down the road, but if he wins the worldcup for SA, he will create a history which will be remember for years to come.

Would AB get the same hate had he decided to play test matches and not play ODIs?

 

[todfod 11]

the way people are criticizing him for opting to play in t20 franchise cricket instead of test cricket for south africa is ridiculous

it is not as if he has ran away from international duty after 20 tests

he has played 100 TESTS for south africa and has even agreed to keep wickets for the team which has damaged his back and the effects are visible now

at this age of his career with his current fitness levels it makes perfect sense for him to avoid 5 day cricket and focus on limited overs cricket because of less stress on his body and more money because he has little cricket left in him and he has to secure his and his family's future

not to mention that south african cricket has become a big mess because of all these racial quotas

how is he different to the thousands of desis who have moved to the west for more money and better future?

how is he different to you and me? where was our patriotism and national duty?

if we are criticizing de villiers for putting himself and his family first we should also criticize ourselves because we have done the same

can you expect this from Tendulkar Dravid Dhoni or even Afridi. playing for your nation makes you what you are.. players who have run away from national duty we have all seen what has happened to their careers.
AB is running away when his country needs him most.

 

[Sachin136]

Who is AB to decide when he plays for South Africa and when he doesn't? He deserves all the critiscm he gets, a soft and weak hearted cricketer. Anyday I'll take Greame Smith over Mr 360 degrees.

Obviously AB is the one who can decide if he wants to play tests or not. If CSA don't like that, then they can tell AB that they won't select him in tests anymore even if he wants to play.

 

[The_Odd_One]

AB has made the right decision no matter some fans like it or not.

He's already a veteran of 100 tests, was part of an ATG test team. There's nothing left for SA to achieve in tests.

A World Cup win is the only thing SA fans should care about and AB is rightly focusing on that.

 

[Rayyman]

I won't judge AB because it's not clear why he won't play. He is staying silent and I respect him for that.

 

[shaz619]

Who is AB to decide when he plays for South Africa and when he doesn't? He deserves all the critiscm he gets, a soft and weak hearted cricketer. Anyday I'll take Greame Smith over Mr 360 degrees.

It's for the board and his employer to decide when he plays, anyhow he should retire from Tests if he doesn't want to play the format full time and deserves criticism from that end but the onus is on CSA to force his hand. I wouldn't personally call him soft and weak hearted its OTT given his overall career accomplishments.

 

[Hasan123]

It's for the board and his employer to decide when he plays, anyhow he should retire from Tests if he doesn't want to play the format full time and deserves criticism from that end but the onus is on CSA to force his hand. I wouldn't personally call him soft and weak hearted its OTT given his overall career accomplishments.

He should have just retired in the 1st place if he doesn't want to play test cricket. But he's chosen not to play in some difficult series in a team that is struggling. It doesn't look very good.

 

[shaz619]

He should have just retired in the 1st place if he doesn't want to play test cricket. But he's chosen not to play in some difficult series in a team that is struggling. It doesn't look very good.

Yeah I agree from that perspective he deserves criticism. I don't see him as a huge loss to the Test side at present tbh given the concerns with regards to his fitness, workload and longevity; the goal is to preserve the likes of ABDV and Steyn for the 2019 WC in England.

 

[Rana]

The way I see it,

A reason why he is so disliked on this forum is not just because he gives preference to money over Test cricket, but also because the money he chooses is Indian money. I am absolutely sure that the day he signs a PSL contract, all will be forgiven

 

[Slog]

The way I see it,

A reason why he is so disliked on this forum is not just because he gives preference to money over Test cricket, but also because the money he chooses is Indian money. I am absolutely sure that the day he signs a PSL contract, all will be forgiven

doubt it

Folks who hate on Pollard and Gayle still do despite PSL contracts

 

[ManFan]

Not true. It's the matter in which he has handled his Test career. Choosing and picking when to play just does not leave an impressionable imprint on cricket supporters.

 

[Leo23]

Because he has chosen money over team. Viv Richards had to choose between a million dollar check in the 80's to go to SA or stay with the WI team. He chose to continue to lead the team. He's remembered differently today because of that decision. Money is not everything. It cannot buy respect.

viv richards along with imran khan and a few other notable legends opted out of playing for their countries FOR MORE MONEY in the kerry packer world series cricket

so how are they different to "sell out" de villiers?

 

[Leo23]

everyone is a moral champion behind a computer screen and criticizing another man's choices is the easiest thing to do

it is hilarious to think about it but majority of the people criticizing him would have done the same in the same position

he does not owe south africa cricket anything and lol at "disrespecting" cricket )

 

[Ab Fan]

Because you dont want one of your best players to skip a big test series particularly when the side is in doldrum and when he already has taken good enough break.

IMO, skipping few series in between was fine given the age and fitness issue he has but should have definitely played the big series like the one recently vs England and in return could have skipped few more bilaterals or t20s.

Moreover, there isn't any massive change in terms of decision making that has been made in the odi format which makes one feel that he is completely serious about his dream of WC 2019. The recent performance in CT makes things even worse.

 

[CanadianG00se]

Because you dont want one of your best players to skip a big test series particularly when the side is in doldrum and when he already has taken good enough break.

IMO, skipping few series in between was fine given the age and fitness issue he has but should have definitely played the big series like the one recently vs England and in return could have skipped few more bilaterals or t20s.

Moreover, there isn't any massive change in terms of decision making that has been made in the odi format which makes one feel that he is completely serious about his dream of WC 2019. The recent performance in CT makes things even worse.

thn blame lies with incompetent CSA for unable to find replacement of AB.

AB had expressed his desire that he wants to quit playing longest(most boring) form of game but CSA keep pressurizing him to change his mind.

But some fans just want to blast AB. Imagine when Amla joins county on kolpak, the same set of fans will be "oh he is old and have only few years left, so he is securing finance for his family, blah blah blah."

AB owes nothing to anyone, he already done enough for South Africa.

 

[ManFan]

Their respective boards were gating half a million dollars and giving the players about 10 thousand. Surely, with the multiple T20 tournaments around the world, medical facilities, and nutritionists, the situation is not of a need of money? Khan and Richards always played for their team when it was required to do so.

 

[Last Monetarist]

It's not the decision to play T20 cricket far from it, it's the duplicitous wriggling and attempt to pretend that the decision has to do with anything other than money.

 

[The_Odd_One]

doubt it

Folks who hate on Pollard and Gayle still do despite PSL contracts

Because they were IPL sell-outs first.

 

[Leo23]

Their respective boards were gating half a million dollars and giving the players about 10 thousand. Surely, with the multiple T20 tournaments around the world, medical facilities, and nutritionists, the situation is not of a need of money? Khan and Richards always played for their team when it was required to do so.

both imran khan and richards missed matches for their countries due to wsc

no difference between the wsc players and de villiers but he is a sell out and they were saints

 

[Leo23]

It's not the decision to play T20 cricket far from it, it's the duplicitous wriggling and attempt to pretend that the decision has to do with anything other than money.

he has not said much

he is simply getting heat from moral champions from all quarters because he has decided to opt out of test cricket

 

[Amjid Javed]

AB is saving himself from one last choke with South Africa in a major ODI ICC tourney, thats his main aim for quitting test matches.

 

[Last Monetarist]

he has not said much

he is simply getting heat from moral champions from all quarters because he has decided to opt out of test cricket

Nope. A simple internet search could help you instead of flaunting your ire: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/dec/28/ab-de-villiers-south-africa-dale-steyn-england

CSA caved in by offering him the captaincy only for him to go play meaningless T20 tournaments such as the CPL that aggravated an elbow injury ruling him out for more than 6 months. Workload indeed. The difference between him and the Packer rebels was that they were all upfront about the need to feed their families which was a justification any reasonable person could understand. If only de Villiers had simply stated that the pay in SA cricket is abysmal relative to what his peers earn in India and England, and that he had to maximize his earnings before he retires, most people would still have been disappointed but there would be a degree of grudging acceptance. It's the shallow pretense which insults the fans' intelligence.

 

[Ted123]

Top 5 test innings by AB de Villiers?

Which are the top 5 test innings by AB de Villiers?

 

[Gotham Cronie]

Retires from the national team at the age of 34 with one year until the World Cup because he's "tired" while saying the following: "I have no plans to play overseas, in fact, I hope I can continue to be available for the Titans in domestic cricket."

Will now play in:

• Mzansi Super League which runs November 16th to December 16th
• Bangladesh Premier League which runs January 5th to February 8th
• Pakistan Super League which runs February 14th to March 17th
• Indian Premier League which runs March 29th to May 19th

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Retires from the national team at the age of 34 with one year until the World Cup because he's "tired" while saying the following: "I have no plans to play overseas, in fact, I hope I can continue to be available for the Titans in domestic cricket."

Will now play in:

• Mzansi Super League which runs November 16th to December 16th
• Bangladesh Premier League which runs January 5th to February 8th
• Pakistan Super League which runs February 14th to March 17th
• Indian Premier League which runs March 29th to May 19th

Good post, poor from AB.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Good post, poor from AB.

Can we really say that? It's pretty obvious he wasn't happy with the dressing room situation with all the quota business. We don't know what's going on in the background. People are just making generic righteous comments without knowledge.

 

[Hitman]

It's because he was and still is chicken hearted. You want to debate against it? Go ahead.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Retires from the national team at the age of 34 with one year until the World Cup because he's "tired" while saying the following: "I have no plans to play overseas, in fact, I hope I can continue to be available for the Titans in domestic cricket."

Will now play in:

• Mzansi Super League which runs November 16th to December 16th
• Bangladesh Premier League which runs January 5th to February 8th
• Pakistan Super League which runs February 14th to March 17th
• Indian Premier League which runs March 29th to May 19th

So he will be on the road for 5 months, after his stint in the MSL. He's a legend of the game, but he should have retired after the WC to give SA a better chance.

Obviously his heart wasn't in it for SA.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Can we really say that? It's pretty obvious he wasn't happy with the dressing room situation with all the quota business. We don't know what's going on in the background. People are just making generic righteous comments without knowledge.

Was AbD personally affected by quota? He was by far the best batsman for SAF. Steyn is getting much stiffer competition from Rabada and Philander, yet he refuses to retire. Players can retire whenever they want, but ABD isn't mentally strong, that's a fact. Not just as a cricketer, but also as a person.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Was AbD personally affected by quota? He was by far the best batsman for SAF. Steyn is getting much stiffer competition from Rabada and Philander, yet he refuses to retire. Players can retire whenever they want, but ABD isn't mentally strong, that's a fact. Not just as a cricketer, but also as a person.

You're thinking on an individual level, think broader. It's about the team atmosphere. No team will win a major tournament if everyone is not on the same page mentally. Again, we don't know what's going in the background, we are merely speculating. To end his career abruptly after committing to the 2019 WC, it'd had to have been something major. You can call him whatever you want but he's not that stupid. He chose to accept the consequences of his decision.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Can we really say that? It's pretty obvious he wasn't happy with the dressing room situation with all the quota business. We don't know what's going on in the background. People are just making generic righteous comments without knowledge.

You're thinking on an individual level, think broader. It's about the team atmosphere. No team will win a major tournament if everyone is not on the same page mentally. Again, we don't know what's going in the background, we are merely speculating. To end his career abruptly after committing to the 2019 WC, it'd had to have been something major. You can call him whatever you want but he's not that stupid. He chose to accept the consequences of his decision.

Exactly.

No professional just walks away.

Quota resulted in his WC 2015 SF blitz go in vain.

ABD was crying on the field.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Can we really say that? It's pretty obvious he wasn't happy with the dressing room situation with all the quota business. We don't know what's going on in the background. People are just making generic righteous comments without knowledge.

I clearly remember he said something like he wont take part in IPL and foregn domestic leagues or has no plans. So yes its poor in that sense. It can be justified with all the quota stuff that he took retirement but why say things like wont play in IPL etc to be diplomatic at that time. Seedha seedha direct bolay k will see when time comes.

 

[James]

Retires from the national team at the age of 34 with one year until the World Cup because he's "tired" while saying the following: "I have no plans to play overseas, in fact, I hope I can continue to be available for the Titans in domestic cricket."

Will now play in:

• Mzansi Super League which runs November 16th to December 16th
• Bangladesh Premier League which runs January 5th to February 8th
• Pakistan Super League which runs February 14th to March 17th
• Indian Premier League which runs March 29th to May 19th

An individual of absolutely zero integrity who has comprehensively betrayed his country. Anyone who still feels inclined to support him after this latest development should take a long hard look at themselves in the mirror.

 

[James]

Players can retire whenever they want, but ABD isn't mentally strong, that's a fact. Not just as a cricketer, but also as a person.

And that is, no matter how much his merry band of supporters try to push the idea, why he will never be an all time great of the game.

All pomp and no substance.

 

[Hasan123]

I clearly remember he said something like he wont take part in IPL and foregn domestic leagues or has no plans. So yes its poor in that sense. It can be justified with all the quota stuff that he took retirement but why say things like wont play in IPL etc to be diplomatic at that time. Seedha seedha direct bolay k will see when time comes.

He said he would play in the IPL but not in other leagues. But now he is playing in other leagues.

 

[Last Monetarist]

I was a vocal critic of de Villiers when he chose to walk away from test cricket, as my previous posts in this thread can attest. However, I have changed my opinion since his retirement from all forms of international cricket. I believe there was a strong element of mental fatigue that led to de Villiers walking away. I know first-hand how that can grind down people and leave them feeling demotivated and helpless. I am therefore inclined to judge his prevarication to quit SA less harshly.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

I was a vocal critic of de Villiers when he chose to walk away from test cricket, as my previous posts in this thread can attest. However, I have changed my opinion since his retirement from all forms of international cricket. I believe there was a strong element of mental fatigue that led to de Villiers walking away. I know first-hand how that can grind down people and leave them feeling demotivated and helpless. I am therefore inclined to judge his prevarication to quit SA less harshly.

I think he had some issues with the back aswell. So no problem with the retirement as only the individual knows whats going on and if he/she is ready.

 

[Swashbuckler]

He made a bad call, left SA in the lurch so close to a World Cup, probably their last realistic chance at getting the elusive trophy. Not an ATG in my book even though I regard him as the most talented cricketer of our times.

 

[Swashbuckler]

Watching these foreign players quit so easily makes me appreciate the mental toughness of Ind/Pak/B'desh cricketers who have to face so much media scrutiny, politics, nepotism, unprofessionalism, anger/hatred and not to forget the immense expectations from millions of cricket crazy fanatics. Longevity can never be undermined in determining a player's standing.

 

[Rayyman]

For me, ABD was the best batsman overall in the last 10-15 years. Nobody is or was as complete.

 

[CricketDon]

It’s becasue he choose money over test cricket. Age demographic here is like 30-50 so people are old age.

It’s a Pakistani forum and ofc they see him retiring for Indian IPL money. However it’s fine the hate will fade if he signs up to the PSL.

He’d be seen as a messiah lol.

Personally I think he’s amazing and entertaining. No matter how popular one gets, they reserve the right to life decisions. Yes that extends to cricket. If one wants to retire from test and only play T20 and ODI cricket they can. If they want too retire from international cricket and play T20 leagues they can.


You have no say and are irrelevant.

 

[Gotham Cronie]

It’s becasue he choose money over test cricket. Age demographic here is like 30-50 so people are old age.

It’s a Pakistani forum and ofc they see him retiring for Indian IPL money. However it’s fine the hate will fade if he signs up to the PSL.

He’d be seen as a messiah lol.

Personally I think he’s amazing and entertaining. No matter how popular one gets, they reserve the right to life decisions. Yes that extends to cricket. If one wants to retire from test and only play T20 and ODI cricket they can. If they want too retire from international cricket and play T20 leagues they can.


You have no say and are irrelevant.

He has signed up for the PSL and he is being criticized so not sure what kind of nonsense you're spewing.

 

[angrypathan]

If Pakistan don't win the World Cup, I hope South Africa do as a slap in the face for this chicken hearted individual

 

[ads101]

Watching these foreign players quit so easily makes me appreciate the mental toughness of Ind/Pak/B'desh cricketers who have to face so much media scrutiny, politics, nepotism, unprofessionalism, anger/hatred and not to forget the immense expectations from millions of cricket crazy fanatics. Longevity can never be undermined in determining a player's standing.

You should be desperate to play for your county as a national cricketer. Asian fans tend to mock some of our players saying they should gracefully retire but I disagree. The fact they cling on shows their determination to play. Which is how every cricketer should act, and be confident they can turn things around. It's the selectors job to pick them or not, a cricketer shouldn't feel bad he is playing. Blame selectors for certain players playing, not the players themselves.

It's a disappointing call by AB, but if his heart isn't really in international cricket, is it fair he should take the place of a guy who's dream is to play international cricket? I think at the end of the day, it's his choice to retire.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Well the only things AB can be validly criticized for are,1) He retired abruptly with just 12 months before a WC which he previously committed to and 2) that he backtracked on his statement that he won't be playing overseas cricket apart from IPL.

Apart from that, everyone has a right to the life or career decisions they make. You owe your country a lot, but everyone does, it's only the ones publicized are brought to the public eye. Most of the people here criticizing him might have done far worse things interms of loyalty to their countries they are oblivious to as it was not brought to the public eye.

KP did far worse to his country(adopted) yet still gets sympathies because his career was ended by a higher power other than himself.

The cricket in South Africa tbh from the outsider view looks in too much disarray. Quotas and so called transformation targets, are not the building blocks of any sports,institution or industry. You would know how deserving people will simply get robbed off their opportunity just to make up numbers of colors.
That would be a big big distractor for anyone playing in that very atmosphere. How is one supposed to gel and unite with others who have reached that level on the basis of their skin color rather than abilities. Guys like JP, Rabada, Philander, Amla would have still made the team even if there were no quotas, simply on the back of their abilties.

Most of the people here in Pak know how much "Sifarish and approach" culture exists here in almost every department. That makes it extremely suffocating and exhausting for one to know someone following a less arduous path than themselves at the same of even higher level than to someone who did everything right.

He has a right to live a life any way he wants. You don't have to agree with it, but you should respect it like you would want to be.

 

[Junaids]

Fine by me.

The 4 white players quota in Tests is filled by Elgar and Markram as the only two viable openers, plus FAF as skipper and De Kock as the best young player.

So AB has no vacancy to play in. So good luck to him.

 

[salih]

I don't think anyone is criticising him for playing T20 post retirement - everyone does that. What really upsets fans is that he picked and chose what formats he wanted to play back when he was fit and playing international cricket. He'd always make himself unavailable for tests, citing "tiredness", yet would always be raring to play in the IPL or other lengthy T20 leagues. He prioritised cash over national duties.

 

[James]

People are making way too many excuses on his behalf, bad back / mental fatigue etc. In fact he knows exactly what he is doing, he is just greedy and lazy.