De Kock to retire from ODIs after World Cup in India

Quinton de Kock will retire from ODI cricket after the World Cup in India but is likely to continue playing T20Is for South Africa until the 2024 World Cup.

Although no reason was given for de Kock’s sudden decision to step away from the fifty-over format, less than two years after giving up Test cricket, ESPNcricinfo understands that his availability for South Africa was becoming an issue as he seeks to get more T20 league contracts around the world.

The situation came to a head when de Kock was picked up by Melbourne Renegades in Australia’s BBL and committed to playing for them between December 10 and January 5.

That meant he was going to make himself unavailable for the home white-ball series against India, which consists of three T20Is and three ODIs, from December 10 to 21.

On Monday, when CSA held talks with de Kock, sources told ESPNcricinfo that since de Kock remains centrally contracted, CSA expected him to be available for the T20Is.

By Tuesday, de Kock’s ODI retirement took him out of the picture for the ODIs against India.

He also appeared to have reached a compromise with CSA that will allow him to go to the BBL and still play for South Africa at the T20 World Cup on the understanding that he is getting some game time – albeit not with the national side. (ESPNcricinfo)