Following the Proteas’ loss to the Netherlands in the T20 World Cup, which saw them fail to qualify for the semi-finals, a red flag has been raised about a possible player exodus.
Speaking after the loss, outgoing Proteas head coach Mark Boucher said: ‘We have to try and keep all the players interested in playing for South Africa. I think that’s a big question that needs to be answered.’
There has been speculation that wicket-keeper batter Quinton de Kock could look to make a living playing in T20 leagues around the world, rather than commit to the Proteas. De Kock retired from Test cricket at the end of 2021.
Given their growing wealth and power, global T20 leagues, particularly the Indian Premier League, are increasingly encroaching on international cricket, with more players choosing to play in these leagues, rather than for their country.
[Image: https://www.sacricketmag.com/boucher-admits-off-field-issues-tough/]