Titans in discussion with retired AB de Villiers for domestic stint

The cricketing world was dealt with a massive blow when AB de Villiers announced his retirement from international cricket. The Pretoria-born cricketer cited tiredness as the primary reason why he was forced to make the decision. De Villiers last played in South Africa in the Test series versus Australia back in February-March.

However, he confirmed that he would be available to play domestic cricket for his state side Titans and for other franchises across the world. The Titans recently announced a 26-man squad (18 contracted and eight other Proteas) who will be representing them in the 2018-19 season. Surprisingly, the retired cricketer’s name wasn’t included in the team.

The Titans released an official statement in which they mentioned that they are still in talks with the 34-year old cricketer with regards to the arrangement for the upcoming season.

“Following the announcement of AB de Villiers’ immediate retirement from all forms of international cricket, discussions are still ongoing regarding the finalisation of a playing arrangement for the upcoming season,” the franchise was quoted as saying by Sport24.

ABD’s tumultuous times

De Villiers had average outings in the last two years. He made a comeback to Test cricket last year in the Day-Night affair versus Zimbabwe in Port Elizabeth. He also played the three-match Test series against India. However, he had to miss a few games in the ODI series owing to a finger injury. He did recover in time for the Australia series and was a part of the Proteas squad that won the first home Test series against the Aussies.

He also plied his trade for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He was their second-highest run-getter in the tournament. Midway through the event, he was on the sideline for a couple of matches because of viral fever.

South Africa’s next international assignment is the tour of Sri Lanka where they will play a Test, ODI and T20I series.

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