Cricket South Africa bans players from meeting with wives or girlfriends

South Africa is currently ranked ‘Numero Uno’ in ICC ODI team rankings. They were always a team of great potential. But they never did live up to expectations of the fans on the bigger stages. The Proteas have never lifted the World Cup or World Cup T20. They have though won ICC Champions Trophy previously (at that time it was known as ICC KnockOut Trophy). But that was way back in 1998.

Hence, they will want to crush the tag of ‘chokers’ and lift the Champions Trophy for the second time. They are placed in Group B alongside defending champions India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Cricket South Africa (CSA) has taken a decision to keep the cricketers away from their wives or girlfriends once the tournament commences from 1st of June. South Africa will begin their campaign against Sri Lanka on 3rd of June at Kennington Oval.

Skipper’s views

Proteas’ skipper AB de Villiers feels it is a great decision taken by the CSA. “I think it is a good move not to have family members during the tournament‚ it is a short tournament of only five games in total if you go to the final. It’s going to be all focus on preparations and the team,” said the skipper.

He was nursing a shoulder injury over the past few months but feels he has recovered from it now. “I have worked hard on the recovery of my back injury which has been an issue for the last few years. At the age of 33 you are going to have a few niggles here and there but it is part and parcel of the game. I missed a couple of matches at the IPL and I am not planning to miss any games for South Africa.”

When asked about the group, AB said it is not very easy. “India won the last Champions Trophy in the UK‚ Pakistan have upset a few number of teams and Sri Lanka have played some good cricket as well. There are not going be easy games (but) I do rate our chances in the group.  If we play the type of cricket we have played in the last couple of years‚ I believe that no one can stop us in the tournament,” said de Villiers.

The skipper has been going through a bad phase recently. His performance for Royal Challengers Bangalore in this year’s IPL has been very poor. But AB feels he will do well in the Champions Trophy. South African supporters will be hoping that their captain keeps his promise.