Reports | South Africa team management ditched AB de Villiers’ offer to play in World Cup

AB de Villiers had announced his retirement from international cricket suddenly in May last year. This came as a shock for many as the World Cup was just a year away back then. The former skipper had announced this decision on Twitter and stated that he was “tired" and "running out of gas". He further went on to say that "For me, in green and gold, it must be everything or nothing.”

However, the batsman had a fantastic run in the Indian Premier League as he scored 442 runs at an average of 44.20 for Royal Challengers Bangalore. This may have prompted him to make a last moment offer to the South African team management to feature in the 10-nation tournament, reported ESPN Cricinfo. He is believed to have approached skipper Faf du Plessis, head coach Ottis Gibson and convenor of selectors Linda Zondi just one day prior to the announcement of squads.

Nevertheless, his offer was not even considered as per sources. There may be multiple reasons for the same. De Villiers, who amassed 9577 runs at 53.50 in his ODI career, had not fulfilled the selection criteria of playing domestic cricket in South Africa or international games prior to the mega tournament.

A recall for the 35-year-old would also have been unfair to other players who have been performing well since his departure.

The revelations have come out in the open after the Proteas’ disappointing campaign so far. The side has lost three matches on the trot and might have to win all the remaining six matches in order to qualify for the semi-finals.