SA vs AUS: Quinton de Kock Accepts Franchise Cricket As Reason Behind His ODI Retirement Decision

South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock has said that franchise cricket was one of the key reasons behind his retirement decision. Quinton de Kock has announced that he will retire from ODIs after the ICC World Cup 2023.

Quinton de Kock announced his retirement from Tests back in December 2021. After his ODI retirement, he will only represent South Africa in T20Is. However, the left-handed batsman is just 30 years old currently.

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Won’t Deny Effect Of Franchise Cricket On My Decision: Quinton de Kock

While speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Quinton de Kock spoke about his ODI retirement. He said that he won’t deny the effect of franchise cricket on his game and decision.

“I won’t deny the effect of franchise cricket on my game and decision. I try to keep my loyalty, I think I’ve represented my Proteas badge really well. There’s a lot of money in T20s, guys try to get a top up. Any guy would do that anyway.

I think I’d have done it five years ago, when it really took off. Now that I’m on a downslope in a career, I’ll take it. I’ll take a gap year after the career and go back into normal society,”  the left-handed batsman said.

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Lots Of Memories In The 10-11 Years: Quinton de Kock

Quinton de Kock also said that he has a lot of memories of playing for South Africa for the last 10-11 years.

“It was just the feeling I was getting. In the end of my Test career, I was fighting to play. 50 Tests was a lot and could take a toll on you. I gave a thought and chatted with people I trust. They said there’s no shame in retiring and focusing on other formats. Lots of memories in the 10-11 years”, the wicket-keeper batter further added.

Quinton de Kock will retire from ODIs after the ICC World Cup 2023. Hence, he will not be part of the India vs South Africa ODI series in December this year. During that time, he will play in Big Bash League 2023-24.

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In his ODI career, De Kock has played 145 ODIs so far and shattered 6176 runs at an average of 44.75. He has also stormed 17 centuries and 30 half-centuries. He is one of the best wicketkeeper-batsman to play for South Africa.