AB de Villiers confirms PSL participation

South African cricket legend, AB de Villiers, is all set to take part in the fourth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The PSL official social media account released a video message from the retired international, who confirmed his arrival in the league.

“I have certainly enjoyed watching some of the PSL games on television in recent years,” de Villiers said in his video message. “In 2019, I will be participating in the PSL. I certainly can’t wait to see you there.”

The former South African skipper also claimed how the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has emerged as one of the top tournaments of the world and how it has given happiness to the Pakistanis.

Moreover, the arrival of AB de Villiers will come as a relief for the Pakistani fans, who have been short of big superstars in their league due to the busy international schedule in the PSL window. However, with AB now retired from all forms of international cricket, it means that the 34-year-old can participate in the event.

De Villiers’ agreement to participate in the PSL also comes as a little bit of surprise, as the veteran player had restricted himself to only one league in the world, which was the Indian Premier League. His decision to participate in the PSL will be seen as a major change for him, who claimed that he was tired while announcing his retirement.

Nevertheless De Villiers will become a part of the PSL draft, which is expected to be held later this year, with the tournament scheduled in February. It is hard to say that he will not be the first pick for any franchise, and with Lahore Qalandars having the first pick of the draft, de Villiers is expected to be snapped up by the franchise, who has finished bottom in the all three seasons so far.

Despite the 34-year-old not having played any cricket since the IPL in May, the global superstar has represented various franchises across the world including Delhi Daredevils, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Barbados Tridents, Notherns and Titans.

He is known for his unorthodox style of batting, which has earned him 1672 T20I runs for South Africa from 78 games at a strike-rate of 135.