Instability and utter chaos in CSA were the reasons for retirement: Vernon Philander

Former South African fast bowler Vernon Philander sent shockwaves around the cricketing world when he announced his retirement from international cricket ahead of the recently concluded four-match Test series against England. Philander, who made his Test debut for the Proteas back in 2011, went on to become one of the heartbeats of the South African bowling unit- especially in favourable conditions.

And, so with him just 34-years of age, there was a huge conjecture as to why the champion fast bowler decided to end his international career at a time when South Africa needed him the most. Philander, who will be turning out for Somerset as a Kolpak player in the next County season, has revealed that the never-ending instability and the ever-growing chaos within the Cricket South Africa (CSA) administration forced him to make the move.

“As a player, you get to the point where you’ve had enough. CSA’s previous administration only looked after themselves; the players were the last people they worried about. Too many things went wrong and I had to decide what was the best way forward for me. I am 34 and have a good career behind me, but I would have considered playing longer if it wasn’t for the chaos in our cricket administration, Vernon Philander was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

Philander opens up on the 2015 WC semi-final selection controversy

During his career, Vernon Philander was involved in a major controversy when South Africa-owing to their quota system- opted to play him ahead of the in-form Kyle Abbott in the semi-final of the 2015 World Cup. Philander believes that he shouldn’t have played that game; something he had told the coach and the management back then.

“It’s difficult for me to look back on that. I blatantly and openly told the coach that the best player must play. He told me, ‘you’re the best man for the day, you play’. But they were clearly not open and honest with me and Kyle. There were things happening behind closed doors,” he said while also stating that all is well between him and Kyle Abbott despite the unfortunate incident.

“When I go to Durban, I have a beer with Kyle. There are no hard feelings between us two. But the point is: Cricket SA must sort out their stuff. What happened was a knock to both of us,” Philander further added.