Cricket South Africa Comes Clean on Rejecting AB de Villiers From CWC 2019 Squad; Former Cricketer Tweets in Support of the Team to Avoid War of Words

Ever since South Africa lost their third CWC 2019 tie, there have been voices from all corners that AB de Villiers has been missed massively. The team lost to India at the Rose Bowl Cricket Ground, Southampton by six wickets. In fact, not very long ago there was a piece of news which said AB de Villiers could come out of retirement and play for the side. But that too didn’t happen. Now Cricket South Africa has issued a statement about the same and said that at no point in time did AB make himself available for selection in the year he retired. However, AB De Villiers refused to comment on the same and posted a tweet where he supported the team despite three losses. AB de Villiers Had Offered to Play CWC 2019, But Cricket South Africa Refused.

Cricket South Africa selection convenor Linda Zondi said, “At no point in the year that he had retired did he make himself available for selection," Zondi said in a CSA statement on Thursday. The statement also clarified that they have no regrets over declining an approach from Mr. 360 to include him in the 2019 World Cup squad. "It was no option when I received the news on the day of the squad announcement, our squad was finalised and confirmed. AB is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world, but above all else, we have to stay true to our morals and principles, there is no regret in the decision,” further read the release.

Zondi also said that AB would have had to play their home series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka to be considered for the selection. Meanwhile, AB de Villiers refrained from commenting on the issue and instead tweeted in support of the team and said that they have a long way to go despite three losses.

After three losses, team South Africa features on number nine of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 points table. The team will next play against West Indies On June 10, 2019. The match will be held at the Rose Bowl Cricket Ground.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 06, 2019 06:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).