Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has vehemently supported Proteas fast bowler Duanne Olivier’s decision to effectively exchange an international career for a three-year stint with Yorkshire in county cricket.

Olivier announced a surprise decision to pursue a Kolpak contract earlier this week – and has been the subject of plenty of criticism and support since.

‘Name me someone in business that wouldn’t move jobs for more money, less work and job security. It’s the world of sport now! You might not like it, but it’s real,’ tweeted the South African-born Pietersen.

The 26-year-old Olivier took 48 wickets in 10 Tests between 2017 and 2019 – and has since followed former Proteas cricketers Rilee Rossouw, Kyle Abbott and others, who quit international cricket for Kolpak contracts.

‘It’s giving up playing for my country with no guarantees of playing international cricket again. But at the end of the day, I needed to be true to myself. I’ve only got this one chance to see where my talent can take me, and Yorkshire just felt right to me,’ he said.

‘I came over to the United Kingdom last year and thoroughly enjoyed my time playing county cricket. I have since realised I could happily base myself there for the foreseeable future.

‘I was originally looking to come back as an overseas player, but when I got a long-term offer from Yorkshire as a Kolpak, I knew that signing would be the best option for both myself and my family.’

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