In order to “top up” his income as his
career comes to an end, Quinton de Kock has acknowledged that the allure of T20
league money impacted his decision to retire from ODI cricket after this year’s
World Cup. De Kock has been a professional cricketer for the past 11 years
despite being only 30 years old. He withdrew from Test cricket almost two years
ago and will continue to play T20 cricket both internationally and in leagues
all over the world, beginning with the BBL in December.
In response to a question about whether the T20
franchise circuit had any influence on his decision from the host broadcaster
before to his final ODI at home, de Kock acknowledged that it had, but insisted
that South Africa had been his top priority.
“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,” de
Kock said. “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.”
De Kock’s decision to stop his career stems from a
desire to spend more time with his young family, despite the fact that he is
still a dangerous batter and lightning quick with the gloves. Shortly before
his daughter Kiara was born, he left Tests and stated that he and his wife
Sasha intended to “grow our family” in the ensuing years and that he
wanted to be a present parent. He now admits that the longest format no longer
appeals to him.
De Kock has now played for South Africa in 21 ODIs and
19 T20Is, scoring one century in each format while averaging little under his
overall stats.