AB DE VILLIERS RETIREMENT RUMOURS

AB de Villiers refuses to quash retirement rumours

by Cricbuzz Staff • Published on

AB de Villiers touched upon the growing concerns regarding workload management of players © Cricbuzz

Speaking ahead of the third Test against England at Johannesburg, AB de Villiers has said that there is a 'bit of truth' to the rumours about his retirement from international cricket and warned the International Cricket Council (ICC) that many other players will follow suit if structural changes aren't brought in.

"There have been a few rumours floating around, and in most rumours there is always a little bit of truth. It's not just in the last while; it's for two or three years I've been searching for the right answers, to play a little bit less cricket in one way or another, to keep myself fresh and to keep enjoying the game. Every now and then in the past few years I've found myself on the pitch not enjoying myself as much as I should be, and that raises concerns within myself. I've been searching for answers and speaking to people and obviously that's leaked a bit," de Villiers said on Wednesday (January 13).

The newly-appointed South African Test skipper touched upon the growing concerns regarding workload management of players due to cramped international scheduling.

"I think it's a growing concern for the ICC and they've been talking about it for the last few years to find the right structure to keep all the guys fresh. Obviously international cricket is the main cricket you want to play, especially Test cricket.

"There are huge traditions and culture in this format. I believe there are one or two areas where we can improve, and make sure that we keep the guys' focus in the right place," de Villiers said.

With several lucrative T20 leagues cropping up, players' focus is divided between turning up for the country and featuring in franchise cricket. De Villiers acknowledged the financial advantages of plying his trade in such leagues. The South Africa swashbuckler is contracted with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League, is paid Rs 9.5 Crore, an amount which is nearly 10 times his contract amount with Cricket South Africa (CSA).

"Obviously there are big tournaments going on around the world. Some you can't ignore because financially they make a huge difference in our lives, and obviously you've got to look after that side of it as well. International cricket is the main one you want to play, and one or two things will have to change in order for that to happen."

However, de Villiers stated that he remains focused on the job at hand - the two home Tests he will lead South Africa in against England.

"I'm still very committed to the job. The two Test matches for now are all I'm focusing on and then there's a nice big break of six months before we play Test cricket again. Lots of things can happen before then so I don't want to commit myself too much to everything before that. But for now, I'm as committed as I can be and very, very hungry to make a success of the next two Test matches."

On being asked what he plans to do away from the game, de Villiers said, "I honestly don't know. But I've got some good advice around me, good people who have my best interests at heart, and we'll just try to make the right kind of call on which direction I want to go.

"My focus is on international cricket and I want to play for as long as possible. I've got dreams of winning World Cups and maintaining this No.1 status in Test cricket for as long as possible. Obviously I want to get my experience across to some of the youngsters. There are so many dreams that I'd like to follow. I'd just like to sit down, take some time away from the game and discuss all these things and make the right call."

Speaking about the ongoing Test series against England where the hosts are trailing by a match, de Villiers said, "I've played enough series to know that a little momentum shift like that doesn't just happen. It's a big thing in a big series so it's up to us to make sure that we maintain that kind of momentum."

South Africa trail the four-match series 1-0 ahead of the third Test, starting on January 14.

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