The 30-year-old South African cricketer Dane Piedt has decided to quit South African cricket to pursue his dream in the United States cricket. He is also dreaming of serving for the United States national cricket team in the future ICC tournaments.
On last Friday (27th March), the off-spinner Piedt announced his new journey in his cricket career. On his official Twitter account, he posted a picture of signing the contract and captioned it “To new beginning” along with the USA flag and champagne glasses.
To new beginnings ??… ? pic.twitter.com/XFZIOxC7z0
— Dane Piedt (@dane_piedt63) March 27, 2020
While the USA Cricket is going to organise the Minor League T20 tournament, Piedt has signed a contract to feature in this tournament.
However, he hasn’t got a team yet while he can choose one among New York, Chicago, Los Angeles or Seattle.
While Piedt will now play in the USA, he has also wished to serve for the USA national cricket team in future as well as participate for them in the ICC tournaments.
In the last year, the USA got the ODI status to compete in the 2019–22 ICC Cricket World Cup League 2.
Piedt told ESPNcricinfo, “The USA were given ODI status last year so it’s not completely out of the question.”
It was an opportunity I just couldn’t pass up: Dane Piedt
Due to the COVID-19 or coronavirus outbreak, many countries are going through the complete lockdown process to beat the virus. While the Minor League T20 tournament has been initially planned to begin on 11th July 2020, it is currently doubtful to start on time.
Talking about deciding to participate in the USA cricket, Piedt pointed out the financial and lifestyle reasons.
Piedt added, “I just signed the deal this morning but no-one really knows when I will be able to travel. It was an opportunity I just couldn’t pass up, financially and for lifestyle reasons, but it was still a tough decision to make.”
Dane Piedt’s career for South Africa
Dane Piedt made his international debut for South Africa in August 2014 during the Harare Test against the host side Zimbabwe.
He played nine Tests for South Africa where the off-spinner took 26 wickets, including one five-wicket haul. Piedt last time served for South Africa during the Ranchi Test against the hosts India in last October.
In the 2018/19 domestic cricket season, Piedt was the most wicket-taker in the first-class tournament (2018–19 CSA 4-Day Franchise Series). The Cape Cobras off-spinner took 54 wickets in that tournament.