Ex-Proteas superstar AB de
Villiers says he doesn’t want
special treatment and, therefore, he can’t say if he’ll be available to play in the T20 World Cup in
Australia later this year.
De Villiers, who retired from all forms of international cricket in 2018, was criticised last year for making himself available for selection on the eve of the 50-over World Cup.
And he doesn’t want a repeat of that circus.
Therefore, De Villiers says, he will see how things pan out with cricket being suspended at the moment because of the coronavirus.
While there is uncertainty all over the world, one thing is certain: De Villiers doesn’t just want to walk into the team.
The 36-year-old tells Rapport: “I am uncertain about giving a definite answer because I have been very hurt and burned in the past.
“Then people will again think I have turned my back on our
country.
“I can’t just walk into the team. Like every other player, I have to work for my place and deserve it. It was very hurtful for me last year when people thought I assumed there was a place for me.
“I feel available and I will give it a go with everything I have, but I don’t want special treatment.”
De Villiers has been linked to South Africa’s T20 plans ever since Mark Boucher was appointed as head coach in December last year.