Cape Town - Proteas wicketkeeper batsman Quinton de Kock has expressed some concern about the number of South African players taking up Kolpak contracts.

De Kock, who is in India playing in the Indian Premier League for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, spoke at the promotional event and opened up over Kolpak deals that have affected South African cricket.

"It's a tough thing in South African cricket. Nevertheless it's a personal decision by the players concerned when they sign Kolpak deals," said De Kock, as quoted by the Times of India.

"You never know why they have done it. Probably there is too much talent back home and that could be a reason they think they can't make it.

"It is not just in cricket, but it is happening in a couple of other sports as well. It's a challenge we need to take head-on. There are a couple of reasons, but it is just the way it is," said De Kock.

The Kolpak ruling allows counties to employ foreign cricketers who comply with its regulations as 'home' players.

Players who sign Kolpak deals in England are unavailable for South Africa in international cricket.

There are currently 12 South Africans playing under a Kolpak contract in the County Championship this season in England.

SEE FULL LIST

Recently, former Proteas bowler Morne Morkel signed a two-year Kolpak deal with Surrey and batsman Heino Kuhn penned a deal with Kent.