Not making a comeback into the International cricket, clears AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers announced his retirement from International cricket earlier this year leaving many cricket fans around the world surprised because at the time he was just 34. Recently, de Villiers had said “Never say Never” as a response to a query which was portrayed as a hint of willingness to make a comeback to the International cricket but the right hander made it clear that that was not what he meant.

"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,"  he said at the official launch of the Tshwane Spartans franchise at the SuperSport Park on Friday.

"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."

The Mzansi Super League will be a T20 tournament to be played in South Africa which will have its inaugural edition this year and de Villiers will be the Marquee player for his team Tshwane Spartans.

"I grew up here, I love playing cricket here, and this is where it all started for me. I could not have asked for a better base to play my cricket at. I haven't played cricket for a while, but I am getting back into the swing of things. 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."

De Villiers also lauded the tournament as a step in the right direction for cricket in South Africa. 

"It is a huge step in the right direction for Cricket South Africa, and South African cricket. As a unit, we'll be looking to not just pull this tournament off, but make it a great spectacle for fans around the world to enjoy."