AB de Villiers: Former South Africa cricketer had offered for his inclusion in the World Cup 2019 squad but was denied by the management
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The South African Cricket Team is going through a torrid time in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, as they have now lost their first 3 matches of World Cricket’s biggest tournament. They bowed down against the formidable Indian team by 6 wickets in Soutampton on Wednesday.
Now, post the aforementioned defeat against India, a shocking revelation has surfaced regarding the former Proteas batting sensation- AB de Villiers. As per a report by ESPN Cricinfo the South African legend was denied a spot in the 15-member South African squad for the ongoing Cricket World Cup in England, after he made an eleventh hour offer to be included in the same before the management.
As per the report, De villiers made the aforementioned offer the previous month, in May, just 24 hours before the Cricket South African selectors unveiled their 15-men squad for the ongoing World Cup.
De Villiers expressed desire to reverse his retirement
As per the reports, the 35-year old had approached the present Proteas skipper, Faf du Plessis, head coach Ottis Gibson and convenor of selectors Linda Zondi, expressing his desire to reverse his decision of retirement from International Cricket.
But, the offer was denied to him as De Villiers was clearly told that it would not be possible. Moreover, according to people privy to the talks, his request was “not even considered” by the aforementioned people.
The Proteas legend had announced his retirement the previous year, after a few days post the 2018 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He thus, did not fulfill the selection criteria, which included playing South African domestic cricket or international cricket in the intervening months.
It was also felt that his recall would have been unfair on the players who have been performing in his absence. Players such as Rassie Van der Dussen and Dwayne Pretorius have performed decently well prior the ongoing World Cup matches, in order to stake their claim for selection.
The shocking exit of South Africa from the semi-finals of the ICC World Cup 2015, is believed to be the prime reason why AB De Villiers bid adieu to International cricket. The World Cup exit was a tough pill to swallow for the 34-year-old, as the entire South African team (including him) were left teary-eyed the moment they lost the semi-final encounter against New Zealand in Australia.
The fact that De Villiers was available for selection, and at the same time South Africa not doing well in the World Cup so far, this news might not go down well amongst the South African Cricket fans, as they have been longing for their team’s maiden World Cup triumph.
