Kevin Pietersen, Duanne Olivier, Kolpak Deal
Duanne Olivier. (Credits: Getty)

South Africa have lost yet another high-profile name due to Kolpak deal. The latest to join the mass exodus is fast-bowler Duanne Olivier, one of Proteas’ most in-form player in recent times. The right-arm pacer has signed up a three-year deal with Yorkshire, meaning he would not be eligible to play for the Proteas during the length of his deal with a county. Olivier was finally making his mark in international cricket in the last few months.

He starred for his country during the 3-0 clean sweep of Pakistan in the Test series a couple of months ago.  He finished the series as the top wicket-taker, picking up 24 wickets with the help of three five-wicket hauls including a match-haul of 11 in the first Test. In the following series against Sri Lanka, he picked up seven wickets in two Tests and moved to a career-best 19th position in the ICC Rankings.

Duanne Olivier Quits South Africa, Signs Kolpak Deal With Yorkshire
Duanne Olivier (Credits: Getty)

However, the right-arm has now decided to bring an abrupt end to his international career to try his fate in England’s domestic cricket. Olivier will be joining a host of his compatriots in England who took the Kolpak deal in search of a stable career and better lifestyle. Ashwell Prince, Richard Levi, David Wiese, Colin Ingram, Kyle Abbott, Morne Morkel and Wayne Parnell are some of the big names to have signed this deal.

Olivier took to Instagram to confirm the news, writing:

“My decision might be difficult for some to understand but being a professional cricket player is a short-lived career and in order for me to make the most of all my opportunities, I had to consider all my options.”

Olivier, meanwhile, is not new to playing in England. He has not only played two Tests in England but has played county cricket for Derbyshire although as an overseas player.

“I came over to the UK last year and thoroughly enjoyed my time playing county cricket,” Olivier told Yorkshire’s website. “I have since realised I could happily base myself there for the foreseeable future.

Duanne Olivier Quits South Africa, Signs Kolpak Deal With Yorkshire
Duanne Olivier (Credits: Getty)

“I was originally looking to come back as an overseas player but when I got a long-term offer from Yorkshire as a Kolpak I knew that signing for the club would be the best option for both myself and my family. I am a bowler that wants to keep pushing myself to see how far I can go and as I enter my prime I want to be in the best possible situation to grow. Another big reason was the longevity of my career,” he added.

Olivier made his debut in 2017 and has so far taken 48 wickets in 10 Tests at an average of 19.25.

 

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