CSA condemn Olivier
CEO ‘extremely disappointed’ by paceman’s decision to turn his back on the Proteas
DUANNE Olivier’s decision to sign a Kolpak contract with English county Yorkshire has angered Cricket South Africa chief executive Thabang Moroe.
In a withering statement released by CSA a little over an hour after Yorkshire had unveiled their new acquisition, Moroe outlined his “extreme” disappointment with Olivier’s move, citing his selection for the Proteas this season as a huge boost to his profile.
“We find it extremely disappointing that Duanne has taken this step after all the opportunities we have given him, particularly over the past season and going forward, to live his dream of being an international cricketer,” said the CSA CEO.
“He was upgraded to a national contract during the current season on the strength of his outstanding performances in our Test squad and we offered him a two-year contract which would have given him financial security through to the end of the 2020/21 season.
“He was not short of opportunity either as he played in all five Test matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka during the current summer and was also considered for white ball selection.”
Pace bowler Olivier signed a three-year contract with Yorkshire, and will follow a similar path to ones recently taken by Kyle Abbott and Rilee Rossouw.
Financially there can be little argument with Olivier’s decision as £1 could get you at least R18 according to yesterday afternoon’s exchange rate.
However, Olivier, named Man of the Series after taking 24 wickets in the three Tests against Pakistan, said in a statement on social media that his decision wasn’t based solely on financial security.
“My decision might be difficult for some to understand but being a professional cricketer 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 said on Instagram.
Olivier said he’d been assessing various options at the start of the season, having not played for South Africa since October 2017.
“I do believe in being proactive and feel that in any career it is always good to have options should it look like a door could be closed.
“This decision is based on more than money. For my career and everything I want to achieve, I truly believe this is the best choice for me and my family.”
The 26-year-old Olivier, who made his debut against Sri Lanka two years ago, had played just 10 Tests, claiming 48 wickets at an average of 19.25.
While Moroe was furious, Proteas coach Ottis Gibson adopted a more sedate tone.
“We are naturally disappointed with Duanne’s decision to sign a Kolpak contract,” said Gibson.
“He has been a key feature for us this summer and was without a doubt one of our standout performers.
“We held several meetings with him regarding his future with the Proteas throughout the summer and even offered him a two-year contract. To see him cut short a promising international career is disappointing. Ultimately, it was a decision we could not control despite our best efforts.”
Gibson’s own future as national coach still needs clarification. He’s been contracted until the end of this year’s World Cup and CSA have yet to say if they will be offering him a new contract.