Departing coach Mark Boucher has hinted that some Proteas players could opt to end their international careers prematurely.
Boucher was speaking after the Proteas’ shock defeat to the Netherlands that cost them a place in the T20 World Cup semi-finals.
“We have to try and keep all the players interested in playing for South Africa. I think that’s a big question that needs to be answered,” Boucher said when asked about the Proteas’ future.
According to IOL Sport, Quinton de Kock – who retired from Test cricket in December 2021 – is seriously considering walking away from the Proteas’ white-ball teams too and becoming a full-time T20 franchise freelancer.
De Kock has played for the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, the Barbados Royals in the Caribbean Premier League and the Southern Brave in England’s Hundred. He was pre-bought by the Durban Super Giants for the inaugural SA20 next year.
The 29-year-old began the T20 World Cup well with 47* off 18 balls against Zimbabwe and 63 off 38 balls against Bangladesh. But he followed that with scores of one, nought and 13 against India, Pakistan and the Netherlands respectively.
