‘No Regret In Rejecting ABD’s Offer’ Says Linda Zondi

New Delhi: With the revelation that AB de Villiers had proposed coming out of retirement to play for the Proteas in the World Cup, Cricket South Africa (CSA) selection panel convenor Linda Zondi has clarified in an official statement as to why the offer was rejected by the board. Linda Zondi said that ABD wasn’t keen on playing the home series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan to be considered for selection in the team for the showpiece event and instead wanted to play in T20 leagues before making the u-turn on the eve of CSA announcing the squad.

“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,” Linda Zondi said in a CSA release. IANS

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