Home » Tearful Kyle Abbott Confirms Overseas Contract as South Africa Loses Another Sportsman

Tearful Kyle Abbott Confirms Overseas Contract as South Africa Loses Another Sportsman

An emotional Kyle Abbott confirmed in a press conference Thursday that he has committed to take up a Kolpak contract in Hampshire at the start of the forthcoming England season. After much media speculation, Abbott confirmed he had signed the deal five months ago and had wanted to make the announcement at the end of this Test […]

By SAPeople
05-01-17 14:59
in Eish!

An emotional Kyle Abbott confirmed in a press conference Thursday that he has committed to take up a Kolpak contract in Hampshire at the start of the forthcoming England season.

After much media speculation, Abbott confirmed he had signed the deal five months ago and had wanted to make the announcement at the end of this Test series.

As with many South Africans who choose to move overseas, he said: “It’s been one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make through my years of playing cricket, but at the end of the day it’s the right decision for me.”

The cricketer’s voice broke and he wiped away tears as he said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Cricket South Africa, my teammates, my family… for the ongoing support through this time, and I would really appreciate it if the public would respect my decision.” (Watch video below.)

Cricket South Africa (CSA) released a press statement announcing that Abbott’s national contract has been terminated today, by mutual agreement, with immediate effect.

CSA is in the process of following similar process with batsman, Rilee Rossouw, who has also committed to a Kolpak contract.

Today CSA said neither player will be considered for any future national selection.

“Regrettably we have no option but to severe our ties with both Abbott and Rossouw as they are no longer available for South Africa,” commented CSA Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat.

He took the opportunity to discuss the broader problem in South Africa of skilled and talented South Africans leaving its shores to work abroad; and also observed how emotional Abbott was in making his announcement as he realised how huge his decision is, and that perhaps, if the clock could go back, he would have made a different choice.

Lorgat also said: “It is a disappointing day not just for South African cricket but also for international cricket as these players have given up their opportunity to be seen in action on the international circuit.

“From CSA’s perspective it is a loss as we invest immeasurable amounts which include premium time, finance, technical, high performance coaching followed by development tours and providing general player welfare over a long period of time. By way of example, Rilee has spent a lengthy period on the injury list while we spared no expense in providing him with the best medical support.

“Both Rilee and Kyle have been given opportunities over the past year to play at the highest level and were firmly in our plans for the future.”

Abbott revealed however that he had felt over the past four years that “I was never far away from being dropped”.

CSA said it had encouraged both cricketers to reconsider their decisions but both have indicated that they wish to take up Kolpak contracts.

“Whilst this is a loss for South African cricket we can only wish them well with their overseas careers,” said Lorgat.

“We will continue to invest heavily in our local talent and provide opportunities for those individuals who wish to realise their dream of playing for their country; we will not contract players who do not commit to play for South Africa.” 

Abbott said he was looking forward to the new chapter in his career.

“I am delighted to be joining Hampshire for the 2017 season onwards,” he said in a statement. “I have an extremely strong affection with the club given my previous stints there and can’t wait to get the ball in my hand at the start of the season.

He said he is leaving with “more than a little sadness knowing that I won’t represent the Proteas again.

“Representing my country was undoubtedly the biggest honour in my career and I am very thankful for the opportunity to have represented South Africa and the Proteas.”

Rossouw was also looking ahead to life in England after signing a three-year deal with Hampshire Cricket. 

“Deciding to leave South Africa is something I have thought long and hard about and moving to England will give me and my family the long term career security that I believe is important at this stage of my life.

“I have loved representing the Proteas and will watch from afar with great affection,” he said. 

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Sources: Cricket.co.za and Twitter