Simon Harmer hopes to change people’s misconceptions about Kolpak players.
The 32-year-old spinner has been included in the Proteas Test squad for the two-match tour of New Zealand.
He made the last of his five Test appearances against India in November 2015, before signing a Kolpak deal with English county Essex that prevented from representing his country.
However, after Brexit ended Kolpak deals in English cricket, Harmer returned to South Africa to play for the Titans. He has taken the most wickets in this season’s 4-Day Domestic Series, with 33 in 10 innings at an average of 20.15.
“There has always been this stigma surrounding Kolpak players,” Harmer told Rapport newspaper after being recalled to the Proteas squad.
“The general view is that we have turned our backs on our country to chase money. Whether they came to that view through the written media, or the way some guys signed their Kolpaks, that’s their opinion.
“There is nothing I can do about it. I had to play the cards handed out to me as well as possible – for my career, for my future family; there were many factors.
“For me, it has always been about the opportunity, not about money. My mantra has always been, give me a show window. Give me a chance and I’ll show you I’m good enough, I’m a competitor, I’m a fighter, I do not give up.”
