South African fast bowler Chris Morris shocked the cricketing world by saying that his playing days for the rainbow nation are over and that he would look for other avenues to keep playing the game he loves.
In an interview with Sportskeeda, the Rajasthan Royals bowler revealed his decision. "My playing days for South Africa are done. I am not one for announcing things and officially retiring and all of that. They know where I stand, I know where I stand, but my days are done for CSA, I think they know that” he said.
The cricketer who represented the Proteas team in four Tests, 42 ODIs and 23 T20Is since debuting in 2012 up until the 2019 World Cup where he played against Australia in Manchester, said that he has had his discussions with people he wanted to have them with and has no further interest in playing any sort of international cricket.
He also blamed Cricket South Africa for ignoring senior players such Faf du Plessis and Imran Tahir and said that the consequences would have to be borne by the board.
"I had my discussions with whoever I needed to quite a while ago, I haven’t spoken to CSA since then. At the end of the day, how they treated Faf (du Plessis), Immi (Imran Tahir) or me is something they’ve to deal with, there is no way I can comment,’ the 34-year-old, who has played in all the big leagues and is highly sought after all-rounder said.
“I wasn’t a part of the negotiations, I haven’t been spoken to for a year, maybe longer than a year. So can’t really comment on what’s happening, a few stories are coming out, I know which one I can believe. It’s a touchy subject, there are so many different angles to it,” Morris added further.
Morris, who has 773 international runs and 94 wickets to his name said that he would keep playing domestic cricket and try and give back to the teams from where he has earned recognition.
“My international cricket days are done. I am focussing on domestic cricket and giving back to the team as much as I can. I was fortunate to represent South Africa in all 3 formats, I had an opportunity to represent my country.
"If you had asked me the same question a few months ago, I would have given you a longer answer but right now I am content with my life and my career,” he said. It would now be interesting to see what possible explanations does CSA comes up with.