Cape Town - Duanne Olivier has tried to explain his decision to retire from international cricket at the age of 26.
The aggressive fast bowler, who has burst onto the Test scene in recent months, shocked the cricketing world on Tuesday by announcing that he had signed a Kolpak deal with Yorkshire in England.
It is a move that effectively ends his international career with 10 Tests and two ODIs to his name.
Olivier posted to his Instagram page shortly after the news was announced with a message to South Africans.
"Today I'm announcing possibly the most difficult decision I've ever had to make," Olivier wrote.
"My decision might be difficult for some to understand but being a professional cricket player is short-lived career and in order for me to make the most of my opportunities, I had to consider all my options.
"Before this Pakistan tour I hadn't played Test cricket since the Bangladesh tour in 2017 which led me to exploring other options in my career.
"I am not one to harp on past decisions and have bad blood as I am grateful for the opportunities I got."