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All-rounder Chris Morris has categorically mentioned that he will never play for South Africa again. He said that his only focus now is to keep himself fit and ready to play in domestic cricket and T20 leagues around the world. The Rajasthan Royals star also indicated that he won't be announcing official retirement but Cricket South Africa is already aware of his plans.
He made these revelations during an interaction with Sportskeeda. He said that CSA knows about his stance and there is a mutual understanding between the two parties.
I was fortunate to represent South Africa in all 3 formats: Morris
"My playing days for South Africa are done. I am not one for announcing things and officially retiring and all of that. They know where I stand, I know where I stand, but my days are done for CSA, I think they know that," Morris said.
"There hasn’t been an official retirement because that’s not how I am, but like I said, my international cricket days are done. I am focussing on domestic cricket and giving back to the team as much as I can. I was fortunate to represent South Africa in all 3 formats, I had an opportunity to represent my country," he added.
I am content with my life and my career: Morris
Notably, Morris has represented South Africa in 4 Test matches, 42 ODIs and 23 T20Is. His last international match was the ICC 2019 50 Overs World Cup fixture against England.
"If you had asked me the same question a few months ago, I would have given you a longer answer but right now I am content with my life and my career," the 34-year-old went on to say in the same interview.
Morris' remark comes at a time when all is not well with Cricket South Africa. After the board had mandated a collective knee taking stance ahead of the South Africa's matches in the World Cup in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, their star player Quinton de Kock made himself unavailable for selection. It remains to be seen how the situation is handled now but there are even apprehensions that the world may have seen the last of De Kock in a Proteas shirt.
"I fear we haven't heard the last of the de Kock issue. I won't be surprised if we don't see him in a Protea shirt again," renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle wrote after the news broke out on Tuesday.