Recently, the former South African batsman, who announced his retirement from international cricket in May 2018, is said to have made the offer just 24 hours before South Africa’s selectors picked the 15-man squad for the World Cup. However, the South African board rejected it. It was the decision, which got the support from the fast bowler, Shoaib Akhtar.
A previous statement by Shoaib Akhtar on AB de Villiers:
Well, in a previous statement, Shoaib Akhtar quoted that the South African board was right in not allowing AB de Villiers back into the game. In the meantime, Shoaib Akhtar tried to explain the role of money, which played a key role in AB de Villiers calling curtains on his game.
He explained that AB de Villiers picked Indian Premier League and Pakistan Super League over the country, which made him retire from the International Cricket. Further, he also thrashed AB de Villiers for issuing such statements when the team was down.
“Recently AB De Villiers announced that he wants to play for South Africa in the World Cup. This is big news but why is he issuing such statements when South Africa are down and out. Firstly, people must not forget that there was pressure on AB De Villiers to leave IPL and PSL contracts and make himself available for the World Cup. However, he chose the IPL and PSL, announced an early retirement and recused himself from the World Cup.,” Akhtar said.
A Massive U-Turn From Pakistan fast bowler:
But, now, Shoaib Akhtar takes a big u-turn saying that the board could have considered all the good work AB de Villiers had done during his period. Further, he went on to recollect the moment when he was broken into tears after losing a game against New Zealand cricket team in the semifinals.
“Come on, he served at his best efforts. He deserves a chance to make a good comeback and a good exit. What if he needed money? He was broken after the 2015 World Cup. Why doesn’t he deserve a chance? What he has done for South Africa? Do you forget all of that all of a sudden?” Shoaib Akhtar said.
Well, it is quite surprising to see such a stalwart player, whose ideas are always welcomed by the fans turning the tables in such a quick time. However, it seems like there would be no return for the star batsman, as South African management were strict on their stand. Meanwhile, the fans hope the South African board change their decision.
Here is the video:
https://youtu.be/hJx8q0jJ5ug