South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock has admitted his intention to retire from ODI cricket after this year's ODI World Cup. But he will continue playing T20Is until the 2024 T20 World Cup. He disclosed that the money of T20 leagues had played a significant role in making this decision.
He has been a crucial member of the Proteas. The 30-year-old batter made himself available for the Big Bash League (BBL). He will play for Melbourne Renegades in the forthcoming edition of the league. This means that the wicketkeeper will not be available for India's tour to South Africa.
I am not going to sit here and deny that it doesn't: Quinton de Kock
The former South Africa skipper said, "I am not going to sit here and deny that it doesn't. It helps with my decision. I've been around for 10 or 11 years and I've tried to keep my loyalty to the team, which I think I've done really well. I think I have represented the Proteas badge very well over my career."
"T20 events - I am not going to deny that there is a lot of money and coming to the end of your career, guys want to get their final top-up before their career finishes. Any normal person would do it anyway. If I was really not that loyal I would have done it five years ago when it really took off. Now I am older and with me coming to the down slope of my career, it's time."
He has now stated about the longest format, "It was a feeling I was getting. I remember at the end of my Test career, I was fighting playing Test matches. I only played 50 (<54> Test matches I think. I spoke to the people who I trust in my life and they said if you want to, there's no shame in it, retire so you can focus on other formats."
"I've been around for 10 or 11 years and I've tried to keep my loyalty to the team, which I think I've done really well. I think I have represented the Proteas badge very well over my career"