A lot of South African players are going the Kolpak way. And another star Proteas pacer bites the dust. Duanne Olivier, who was named the Man of the Series against Pakistan, earlier this year, has become the latest South African player to announce retirement from international cricket.
He has signed a three-year Kolpak contract with Yorkshire. The 26 years old had even made it to top 20 in the ICC Test bowler rankings. And he looked a great prospect for South Africa going forward. But, just like Kyle Abbott, Olivier is also leaving South Africa at the peak of his powers.
There is a quota system prevalent in South African cricket, whereby the target is for an average of six players of color in the first XI, which often creates insecurity among players.
He was quoted by Yorkshire website as saying, “I came over to the UK last year and thoroughly enjoyed my time playing county cricket. I have since realized 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 for the club would be the best option for both myself and my family.
“I would be lying if I said this wasn’t a difficult decision to make,” he added. “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 added.