ICC World Cup 2019: Decision to Reject AB de Villiers' Offer Was Based On Principle - Linda Zondi

Former South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers made last moment offer to Cricket South Africa to come out of international retirement for this summer’s World Cup, but the board authority refused on the eve of the final squad announcement day. And now, South Africa’s national selection panel convenor Linda Zondi has explained why he turned down the offer saying the decision was solely based on principle.

Decision to reject de Villiers’ offer based on principle: Zondi

Meanwhile, AB de Villiers stunned one and sundry announcing his retirement in May 2018. Since then, he has maintained that the decision was in the best interest and he wanted to give some time to his family. Reports suggested that de Villiers approached South Africa’s captain Faf du Plessis, head coach Ottis Gibson and convener of selectors Linda Zondi, expressing his desire to reverse his retirement. However, they turned down the offer without even considering it.

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The news broke out earlier today, and Linda Zondi has now come with the reason for the rejection. Zondi said that he had pleaded to AB de Villiers not to retire and also gave him the option to plan his season leading to the World Cup, but he turned down every offer. Despite admitting the de Villiers is one of the best cricketers to play the game, Zondi said that they need to stay true to their morals and principles above all.

Linda Zondi also made it clear that AB de Villiers chose franchise leagues like Bangladesh Premier and Pakistan Super League and continuously turned down the offer made to him saying that he was happy with the decision to retire. Notably, de Villiers recently said that IPL is even bigger than the World Cup.

“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. He turned down the offer and said he was at peace with his decision to retire.

AB left a big vacuum when he retired, we had a year to find players at franchise level to fill the gap. We had players who put in the hard work, who put up their hands and deserved to be given the opportunity to go to the World Cup. The decision was based on principle; we had to be fair to the team, the selection panel, our franchise system and players.

At no point in the year that he had retired did he make himself available for selection. It was no option when I received the news on the day of the squad announcement, our squad was finalised and confirmed.

AB is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world, but above all else, we have to stay true to our morals and principles, there is no regret in the decision,” Zondi said in a statement.

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Meanwhile, South Africa have made an awful start to their ICC World Cup losing three consecutive games, the latest against India. The Faf du Plessis-led side will be desperate to bounce back in the next game to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.