Cape Town - Former Proteas captain AB de Villiers is no longer interested in playing this season's Big Bash League (BBL).
According to Cricinfo, De Villiers' management has informed the Australian franchises that had expressed interest in his services that he is not available.
The 35-year-old had been heavily linked with a move to the Sydney Sixers in a big-money deal that was reportedly worth R3.5 million.
That money would have been raised by the franchise, Cricket Australia as well as the broadcasters.
De Villiers was only ever expected to join for the second half of the 2019/20 tournament given his participation in the Bangladesh Premier League, but now it is understood that he has removed himself from the running completely.
The BBL is under pressure to improve television ratings this year, and signing big name players is one avenue that event organisers are exploring with interest in an effort to generate more interest.
The report adds that West Indian star Andre Russell is another player who has been earmarked as a potential signing and that he would come with a similar price tag to De Villiers.