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South African star player AB De Villiers has given his confirmation to not make an international comeback and return to international Cricket. The former Proteas captain was not named in South Africa’s T20I squad for West Indies. Clarifying ABD’s absence in the squad Cricket South Africa (CSA) gave a statement on the veteran cricket’s international comeback.
“Discussions with AB de Villiers have concluded with the batsman deciding once and for all, that his retirement will remain final” confirmed CSA. The 37-year-old already took retirement from international cricket way back in 2018 but was expected to make a comeback. However, the veteran has now himself made it clear that he will not return.
De Villiers earlier showed interest in making international return
The veteran cricketer had earlier given a statement that he is "absolutely interested" to make a comeback and will speak to SA head coach Mark Boucher towards the end of IPL. “I haven’t had a chat with Boucher yet. But yes, we have been talking about it. He asked me last year if I would be interested. I said ‘absolutely’, De Villiers spoke during IPL.
The middle-order batsman was in a sensational form in IPL 2021, scoring 207 runs in 7 matches for RCB at a massive strike rate of 164, which helped RCB get a good start before the tournament got suspended on May 4.
South Africa will play two Tests against West Indies starting June 10 followed by five T20Is in Grenada. Their tour of Ireland will start on July 11 and will comprise of three ODIs and three T20Is.
South Africa's Test squad to the West Indies
Dean Elgar (captain), Temba Bavuma (vice-captain), Quinton de Kock (wicket-keeper), Sarel Erwee, Beuran Hendricks, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Anrich Nortje, Keegan Peterson, Kagiso Rabada, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lizaad Williams, Prenelan Subrayen, Marco Jansen.
South Africa's T20 squad to the West Indies
Temba Bavuma (captain), Quinton de Kock), Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, George Linde, Sisanda Magala, Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, David Miller , Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams.
South Africa's squad to Ireland
Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, George Linde, Sisanda Magala, Keshav Maharaj, Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams.