According to reports in Australia, AB de Villiers has pulled out of potentially playing in the 2019-2020 Big Bash League season.

It was previously reported in April that the former Proteas captain was likely to sign a contract for the Big Bash League valued at approximately R3.5m. with the Sydney Sixers taking the lead in their chase to sign the global superstar.

READ: AB reportedly nears R3.5m BBL deal

According to ESPNcricinfo, De Villiers has done a 180 and pulled himself out of a potential BBL stint.

A number of reports in Australia have ran with the story. This news coincides with Cricket Australia’s announcement that each BBL club can sign up to six overseas players during the season an increase from four.

‘The maximum number of overseas players permitted in a club’s squad will remain at two, but there is now increased flexibility to contract up to six players throughout the season and rotate them in and out as required,’ Cricket Australia Executive General Manager Fan Engagement Anthony Everard explained in a statement.

‘It’s a fantastic result for the competition, with clubs given a better chance at securing international players on a short-term basis to fit into an increasingly competitive global cricketing calendar.’

De Villiers’ unwillingness is said to stem from the degree to which CA and the BBL were looking towards him as the main solution to increase TV ratings and crowd attendance.