Share

AB on possible Proteas return: Let's wait and see

Former Proteas star batsman AB de Villiers has refused to deny suggestions he will come out of retirement.

De Villiers, who retired from Proteas duty in 2018, has continued to make a name for himself in several T20 leagues around the globe.

The 36-year-old was in the spotlight last year when he made himself available for Proteas selection ahead of the 2019 Cricket World Cup.

In the end, De Villiers was not called upon - and the Proteas endured a horrid campaign with a seventh-place finish in England.

Earlier this year, De Villiers revealed that he would love to come out of retirement and play in October's T20 World Cup in Australia.

Proteas coach Mark Boucher gave the likes of De Villiers, spinner Imran Tahir and all-rounder Chris Morris a deadline of 1 June to make themselves available for the national team.

Speaking to Indian publication IANS, De Villiers admitted that he will assess his possible return after playing in this year's Indian Premier League (IPL).

"Let's wait and see what happens," De Villiers said, as quoted by the Times of India.

"My focus is on the Indian Premier League at the moment, and helping Royal Challengers Bangalore realise our full potential. Then we will sit down and have a look at the rest of the year and see what is possible."

The IPL was postponed from 29 March until 15 April "as a precautionary measure" over the coronavirus pandemic.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced earlier this week that planning for the T20 World Cup will "go ahead as scheduled".

The T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place from 18 October to 15 November in seven venues across Australia.

- Compiled by Lynn Butler

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE