Dale Steyn says big no, no to Kolpak deal

The Kolpak deal is one which has seen cricketing talent drain from South Africa at an alarming rate. A number of players have opted for the deal to play in England, giving up playing for the national side and the trend has become a concern for Cricket South Africa. However, veteran fast bowler Dale Steyn has reaffirmed his commitment to the South African national duties saying that he would not consider the deal.

Two months ago, the Proteas were in with a serious shock as young fast bowler Duanne Olivier signed a three-year Kolpak deal with English county Yorkshire, leaving his home country shocked. With 48 wickets from just 10 matches, the medium-fast bowler was seen as a bright prospect for South Africa till he left the arena.

Brexit could prevent future Kolpak deals

The 35-year-old Steyn, who recently came back from injury and became South Africa’s highest wicket-taker in Tests bettering Shaun Pollock, hoped that the success of Brexit (United Kingdom exit from the European Union) could prevent future Kolpak contracts. The Brexit, who was supposed to happen on March 29, has remained postponed owing to a political conundrum.

“I think it’s each person to themselves. I personally do not want to consider it,” Steyn was quoted saying by sport24. “I know it is a concern for Cricket South Africa and a very difficult one to stop. Maybe Brexit will prevent Kolpak deals from happening, who knows.”

Steyn is expected to feature in South Africa’s 15-man squad for the ICC World Cup kicking off in England and Wales next month. The squad is scheduled to be announced on April 18 while the Proteas’ first match at the quadrennial event is on May 30, when they take on England.

“I would obviously love to win the World Cup for my country, I am expecting normal English conditions for the World Cup,” said Steyn. Steyn named India among teams that he thought could go on and win the World Cup.

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