In what will come as a big blow to South Africa, pacer Duanne Olivier has become the latest to turn his back on international cricket in favour of a Kolpak deal with Yorkshire.
The 26-year-old has signed a three-year deal with Yorkshire which remains subject to clearance through the Kolpak regulations. Announcing the news through his Instagram, Olivier has described the decision to go Kolpak as the ‘most difficult’ one of his life.
The 26-year-old’s move comes a big surprise given the exceptional start he has had to his international career with the Proteas.
Since making his South Africa debut in 2017 in the series against Sri Lanka, Olivier has gone on to pick up 48 wickets in just 10 Tests at an average of less than 20 and a strike-rate of only 30.
“My decision might be difficult for some to understand but being a professional cricket player is a short-lived career and in order for me to make the most of all my opportunities, I had to consider all my options,” Olivier wrote on his Instagram account.
Explaining his decision to go Kolpak to Yorkshire’s official website, Olivier said, “I came over to the UK last year and thoroughly enjoyed my time playing county cricket. I have since realised I could happily base myself there for the foreseeable future.”
“I was originally looking to come back as an overseas player but when I got a long-term offer from Yorkshire as a Kolpak I knew that signing for the Club would be the best option for both myself and my family.”
The exodus of Proteas players to England on Kolpak deals is not a new phenomenon with Cricket South Africa declaring themselves ‘powerless’ to stop the tide. In recent years, pacer Kyle Abbot and batsman Rilee Rossouw have been some of the players to make the move to England on Kolpak deals.
