ICC World Cup 2019: South Africa reportedly turned down the offer of AB de Villiers to play in the World Cup

• The South African team management rejected the offer of former player AB de Villiers to participate in the on-going ICC World Cup 2019.
  
• AB de Villiers made the offer in May, just a day before South African team announced their final 15-member squad.
  
• The SA team did not consider the offer because of his absence from South African domestic cricket or international cricket in the intervening months.

The South African team management rejected the offer of former player AB de Villiers to participate in the on-going World Cup 2019, said ESPNcricinfo.

AB de Villiers made the offer in May, just a day before the South African team announced their final 15-member squad for the World Cup. However, his offer was turned down as it would be unfair to other members who have been preparing for the World Cup since AB de Villiers’ retirement.

According to the report, AB de Villiers approached Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis, head coach Ottis Gibson and convenor of selectors Linda Zondi, to express his desire to play for the team.

However, the SA team did not consider the offer because of his absence from South African domestic cricket or international cricket in the intervening months. Moreover, he retired just a year before the World Cup was scheduled.

Last year, AB de Villiers had called time on his 14-year international career with immediate effect in May, stating that he was "tired" and "running out of gas".

Meanwhile, South Africa team is having a hard time at the tournament. The team faced three defeats in the first three matches of the tournament, which included Wednesday's six-wicket loss to India at the Ageas Bowl.

In order to gain a spot in the semi-finals, South Africa needs to win all their six remaining games, starting with Monday's clash against West Indies in Southampton.

(With IANS)