AB de Villiers has pulled out of the upcoming season of the Big Bash League as he and his wife are expecting the birth of their third child.
South African player AB de Villiers is currently enjoying himself in the Indian Premier League with the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Now, fans are also expecting to see him in the Big Bash League where he had signed with the Brisbane Heat. Sadly, he will not be able to play this year as he is set to accompany his wife in the delivery of their third child.
In an interview, De Villiers said, ‘It's exciting for Danielle and me with the arrival of our new baby very soon. So with a young, growing family, and the uncertainty around travel and conditions due to COVID-19, we reluctantly decided it wasn't going to be this season’.
‘The Heat were great to us last summer and I am very open to returning to the club in the future. The team didn't get the results we were hoping for and I consider there is some unfinished business to deal with’, he added.
Brisbane Heat coach Darren Lehmann understands his situation and says, ‘While things initially looked fine for him to come back, there have been a few factors emerging which have changed everyone's plans. The main one, aside from the challenges represented by COVID-19 and international travel, is that AB and his wife Danielle are expecting their third child very soon’.
‘Naturally, we're very pleased for them and know that the next few months will be a very special time for all. We'll stay in contact and see what develops. He has been in excellent touch in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bangalore, so he obviously remains a player we'd like to keep working with when the circumstances allow’, he added.
De Villiers signed with the franchise last season and ended up 146 runs at an average of 24.33. Despite the fact that the 36-year-old player will be unavailable, the team has managed to re-sign Afghan player Mujeeb ur Rahman before the league starts on December 3. To learn more about the Brisbane Heat and the BBL, visit Betwala.
READ MORE: What is the Big Bash League?
