New Delhi: Former South Africa skipper AB de Villiers has pulled out of the upcoming season of Big Bash League (BBL) as the player and his wife Danielle De Villiers
are expecting their third child.
“We are expecting our latest child very soon and with a young, growing family and the uncertainty around travel and conditions due to COVID-19, we reluctantly decided it was not going to be this season,” de Villiers said in a statement shared by the franchise, Brisbane Heat, on Twitter.
❤️ @ABdeVilliers17 pic.twitter.com/RnOU6vWAVM
— Brisbane Heat (@HeatBBL) October 27, 2020
De Villiers said he intended to return to the Heat once the situation improved. “The Heat were great to us last season and I am very open to returning to the club in the future. The team did not get the results we were hoping for and I consider there is some unfinished business to deal with,” he added.
Heat coach Darren Lehmann said, “We have been in regular contact with AB since last season and while things initially looked fine for him to come back, there have been a few factors emerge which have changed everyone’s plans.”
🗣️ @darren_lehmann on @ABdeVilliers17. #BringTheHeat #BBL10 pic.twitter.com/CeNSn4t1UX
— Brisbane Heat (@HeatBBL) October 27, 2020
“The main one, aside from the challenges presented by COVID-19 and international travel, is that AB and his wife Danielle are expecting their third child very soon. Naturally, we are very pleased for them and know that the next few months will be a very special time for all,” he added.
