Former Proteas batsman Hashim Amla has withdrawn from the Western Province squad for South Africa’s 2021-22 domestic season.
Amla was named among Western Province’s contracted players earlier this year, but withdrew this week.
He is currently playing for Surrey in the County Championship in the United Kingdom.
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What Amla said
“I have always enjoyed my time playing at Newlands for the Cape Cobras and working as the batting consultant at the Cape Town Blitz and I want to thank Western Province for their open communication throughout the entire contracting,” said Amla.
“I have made this decision based on where I am currently in my career and with a view to my future endeavours. I want to wish the squad all the best for the coming season.”
What Western Province Cricket Association said
“It’s obviously hugely disappointing that Hashim will not be donning the WP colours this season,” said WPCA chief executive officer Michael Canterbury.
“He would have been a huge asset to the team on and off the field, especially working with the group of talented young batsmen we have at our disposal.
“I want to thank Hashim and his representatives for the open interaction over these past couple of weeks.
“We all know Hashim is one of our greatest ever players in South Africa and we would have loved nothing more than to see him representing WP.
“But we fully understand his reasoning and wish him luck with whatever comes next for him and his family.”
Amla joins Prince in WP exit
Western Province lost head coach Ashwell Prince last month. H accepted a full-time post with Bangladesh.
Assistant coach Faiek Davids has been appointed interim head coach – and reportedly interviewed for the role on a full-time basis recently.
Western Province Under-19 coach Roger Telemachus and Boland batting lead Salieg Nackerdien have also reportedly interviewed to replace Prince.
Western Province seamer Vernon Philander, meanwhile, has accepted a coaching role with Pakistan during the 2021 T20 World Cup. Whether the post extends beyond the tournament – and Philander’s time with Western Province is jeopardised – remains in the balance.