AB de Villiers has refuted all recent speculation of him making a return to international cricket for South Africa.
The Proteas ace called time on his international career earlier this year in what came as a shock move, with the batsman citing the increasing pressure and workload as a reason for his retirement.
Of late, there have been rumours that the 34-year-old was considering a comeback to international cricket. However, De Villiers poured cold water on all the speculation as he gets ready to make his return to competitive cricket following a six-month break.
The right-hander will turn out for Tshwane Spartans in South Africa’s inaugural Mzansi Super League T20 which gets underway in November.
“I haven’t played cricket for a while, but I am getting back into the swing of things,” he was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
“I have had these kinds of breaks before and it is always a challenge to get fit and hit balls again. I am really looking forward to that, and what will be a really good challenge in the Mzansi Super League.”
AB de Villiers says he is raring to step back into cricket with the Tshwane Spartans. #BornOfUs #VanOns #TsaRona #MSLT20
— Tshwane Spartans (@SpartansMSLT20) October 25, 2018
Read more: https://t.co/0JLhs23KQX pic.twitter.com/H4oMFB7bP8
When asked if he was contemplating a return to the South Africa squad, De Villiers said, “No, there is no comeback.
“I made the mistake of saying ‘never say never’, which is a philosophy that I have always followed in my life. I was actually trying to say that I am focusing on the now, but it came out horribly wrong and the next minute there were headlines around the world.
“I certainly do not want to confuse anyone around the world, especially the Proteas team. It will be very selfish and arrogant of me to throw statements around that I want to play at the World Cup. I am happy where I am and focusing on the now and I will never say ‘never say never’ again. My focus at the moment is to play good cricket in the Mzansi Super League for the Tshwane Spartans. I have been working hard to be fit.”
