I did not try to force my way into the World Cup squad: AB de Villiers

On the evening when India defeated South Africa in the World Cup, news broke out stating that AB de Villiers offered Cricket South Africa (CSA) to come out of his retirement for the mega event. It sparked the outrage among the fans around the world and many blamed De Villiers for retiring at the first place. The CSA officials cleared that they denied the cricketer and that his inclusion would’ve been unfair on the likes of Aiden Markram or Rassie van der Dussen.

Even Faf du Plessis revealed his conversation with AB de Villiers. A lot was said in the upcoming days while all waited for the man himself to speak about the controversy. The former South Africa international has now come up with a clear explanation stating that he never offered to come back or had no intention to force his way into the national side.

AB de Villiers said that he spoke to Faf du Plessis two days before the squad announcement and casually told the skipper that he was available for selection ‘if required’. The 35-year-old also cleared in his statement that he was asked if there was any chance of him to play the World Cup and then had agreed to keep the door open.

The story was leaked maybe deflect criticism

AB de Villiers, in his statement on Twitter, also went on to say that the story of him offering a comeback was leaked by someone out of the blue after South Africa suffered their third successive defeat during the World Cup. He also further stated that none including him or his close ones or by Faf leaked the news and also felt that ‘someone’ just wanted to deflect the criticism.

“The story was not leaked by me, or anybody associated with me or by Faf. Maybe someone wanted to deflect criticism. I don’t know. I was unfairly described as arrogant, selfish and indecisive but, with all humility, my conscience was clear,” AB de Villiers said.

The former Proteas concluded his long statement by clarifying that he is looking forward to spending more time with his family and will only play in the selected T20 tournament in South Africa and around the world. He also showed strong support towards the national team stating that he will continue to back them to the hilt.