Betraying SA or nah? Disappointment as Duanne Olivier makes Proteas exit
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Image: Sydney Seshibedi
Disappointment trended on Twitter as Proteas player Duanne Olivier announced his move to quit international cricket to join England's Yorkshire County Cricket Club.
Olivier signed a three-year deal with the county, rejecting a two-year contract offer from Cricket South Africa.
The fast bowler played 10 Tests‚ taking 48 wickets at 19.25‚ and two one-day internationals — both against Pakistan last month.
"My decision might be difficult for some to understand but being a professional cricket player has a short-lived career and in order for me to make the most of all my opportunities, I had to consider all my options," he said in an Instagram post.
Cricket South Africa was not too pleased with the his decision and released a statement on his exit that did not hide this at all.
"We find it extremely disappointing that Duanne has taken this step after all the opportunities we have given him, particularly over the past season and going forward, to live his dream of being an international player," said chief executive Thabang Moroe.
There was a mixed response from fans on Twitter with some accusing him of "turning his back on SA" while others said they understood the move.
No bra! Duanne Olivier doesn’t respect us!
— Thabiso Tshabalala (@Thabiso_XT) February 26, 2019
Another fine young South African fast bowler, Duanne Olivier, turns his back on South Africa to become a Kolpak player in England for Yorkshire. Eventually, financial and political decisions over-ride sporting decisions.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 26, 2019
Duanne Olivier jumped ship too? Wow didn’t see this coming
— Wolf Of Lords (@lordswolf14) February 26, 2019
Very poor from Duanne Olivier and @YorkshireCCC. Pinching current internationals on Kolpak deals is not in the spirit of the game pic.twitter.com/CK5V7yZQCk
— Red Letter Gay (@redlettergay) February 26, 2019
OOOO NO, WHAT A SHOCKER! TKO OUT OF NOWHERE!
— Chief Erican (@EricanSA) February 26, 2019
Duanne Olivier signs a 3-year Kolpak deal with Yorkshire & won't play for SA anymore.
Olivier has the GREATEST TEST STRIKE RATE OF ALL TIME (Min 20 wkts). Would have come down, but that's how talented he was. pic.twitter.com/v23M2YobrH
Duanne Olivier has spoken about his move. It's sad to see him go, but all things considered one can understand where he is coming from. It's not as if he woke up in 2019 and decided to sign the Kolpak deal.
— C. S. Chiwanza (@CSChiwanza) February 26, 2019
Wish you the best as you explore other avenues @Duanne992 pic.twitter.com/ZkjRoniJMB
With Duanne Olivier choosing a Kolpak deal over his CSA contract how can CSA prevent this reoccurring loss of talent? I do believe his reasoning, that he had not had much opportunity before the Pakistan series and career development was his driving factor.
— Matt Watson (@Matt_Watson87) February 26, 2019
Good morning to everyone except Duanne Olivier.
— Deano (@The5BallOver) February 27, 2019
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Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.