Vernon Philander’s decision to hang up his international boots was brought forward by the chaotic administrative issues that have plagued the game’s governing body.

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For the first time since his final Test match at the Wanderers last month, Philander has spoken out about his time as a Proteas player and he didn’t hold back at criticising Cricket South Africa.

‘CSA’s former management only started looking after themselves, the players were the last ones they worried about. Too many things went wrong in the last while, I had to decide what is the best road ahead for me. Then I decided to retire,’ said Philander, who represented South Africa in 64 Tests.

‘I am also 35 now, with a decent career behind me, but I would have considered playing longer if not for the chaos in our cricket administration.

‘As is the case with any sport, the last thing that needs to happen is for players to be influenced negatively.’

Philander, though, is optimistic about the future of South African cricket and believes the recent changes in management and administration could propel the country’s cricket into the right direction.

‘Luckily there’s more credibility back now at CSA. Hopefully we’ll see a turnaround in fortunes at administrative level and on the playing field,’ Philander said.

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