Hashim Amla opts out of domestic cricket in South Africa
Hashim Amla will not return to play domestic cricket in South Africa
|| ICC Twitter
Hashim Amla will not return to play domestic cricket in South Africa, as confirmed by the Western Province on Tuesday, September 14. The veteran, who was originally named in the team’s 16-member squad in April, had earlier informed the Western Province Cricket Association of his call.
Hashim Amla will not take part in South Africa’s upcoming domestic season, where he was contracted to the Western Province. The 38-year-old has negotiated an exit deal with the team management.Â
"It's obviously hugely disappointing that Hashim will not be donning Western Province colours this season," Michael Canterbury, the Western Province CEO, said in a statement. "He would have been a huge asset to the team on and off the field, especially working with the group of talented young batsmen we have at our disposal.
"I want to thank Hashim and his representatives for the open interaction over these past couple of weeks. We all know Hashim is one of our greatest ever players in South Africa and we would have loved nothing more than to see him representing Western Province but we fully understand his reasoning and wish him luck with whatever comes next for him and his family."
Amla, 38, had retired from international cricket in 2019, but has continued to play first-class cricket since. In the ongoing County Championship 2021, the right-hander has aggregated 771 runs at 51.40 from 12 games with a highest of 215*. In a Group 2 game against Hampshire in July, Amla scored an unbeaten 37 off 278 balls, occupying the crease for 96.2 overs to help his side avoid a defeat.
Meanwhile, Western Province are also uncertain of Vernon Philander’s participation, after the former South Africa quick was named Pakistan’s bowling consultant for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the UAE and Oman.
