AB de Villiers denies making World Cup selection demands

Reports last month indicated that the 35-year-old made a last-gasp offer to come out of retirement for the World Cup

Former South Africa batsman AB de Villiers has denied that he made any demands to be selected for this year's World Cup.

De Villiers had retired from international cricket in May last year, but reports last month suggested he made the offer of returning to the Proteas selectors and captain Faf du Plessis in May, 24 hours before their 15-man squad for the tournament was to be announced.

However, in a statement released on Friday, the 35-year-old denied that he made any such demands and that he was asked about his openness to coming back in a private conversation.

"Now the Proteas' World Cup campaign is over, and the team cannot be distracted, I would like to respond to unjustified criticism of me during the tournament," the statement read.

^{De Villiers retired in May 2018}

"I continue to be asked to comment on the disclosure, and distortion, of a private conversation that took place just before the squad was announced and, for the benefit of anyone who may have felt let down, would like to explain what happened.

"Faf [du Plessis] and I have been friends since we were at school together and, two days before the World Cup squad was announced, I contacted him for a chat.

"I had been in decent form during the Indian Premier League and casually repeated what I had said when asked a year earlier, that I was available if required... but only if required. I made absolutely no demands at all.

"I certainly did not try to force my way into the World Cup squad on the eve of the tournament, and did not expect to be included. There was no burning issue from my side, and no sense of injustice."

pic.twitter.com/ahCQBPEo2X

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) July 12, 2019

The news of de Villiers' apparent offer to return to the side was leaked after South Africa's third defeat of the tournament which came against India in Southampton, which he believes cast him "in the worst possible light".

"The story was not leaked by me, or anybody associated with me, or by Faf. Maybe someone wanted to deflect criticism. I don’t know," de Villiers continued.

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"As a result, I was unfairly described as arrogant, selfish and indecisive but, with all humility, my conscience is clear. I retired for honest reasons and, when asked if I could be available for the World Cup, agreed to keep the door open.

"In the event, understandably, the team moved on. No problem. I am not angry with anybody. Now, at this stage of my life, I would like to continue spending time with my family and to play in selected T20 tournaments in SA and around the world.

"I have been massively proud to have played for, and indeed captain, my country on the cricket field. My relationships with the Proteas players remain as strong as ever, and I will always be available to support and assist the next generation."

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