Former South Africa Batsman Ab De Villiers pulls out of the upcoming season of Big Bash League (BBL) as the ace player and his wife is expecting the birth of their third child.
“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”, de Villers said in a post shared by the franchise, Brisbane Heat on Twitter.
❤️ @ABdeVilliers17 pic.twitter.com/RnOU6vWAVM
— Brisbane Heat (@HeatBBL) October 27, 2020
“We are expecting our latest child very soon and with a young growing family and uncertainty around travel and conditions due to COVID-19, we reluctantly decided it was not going to be this season” He added.
🗣️ @darren_lehmann on @ABdeVilliers17. #BringTheHeat #BBL10 pic.twitter.com/CeNSn4t1UX
— Brisbane Heat (@HeatBBL) October 27, 2020
De Villiers is currently in UAE playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the ongoing edition of IPL 2020. Brisbane Heat coach Darren Lehman responded on De Villers absence in the upcoming mega event where he 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 few factors emerge which have changed everyone plans”.
“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 pleased for them and know the next months will be a special time for all” Lehman added.
De Villiers and Kohli has been instrumental for Bangalore in the ongoing edition of IPL 2020 as they both have stepped up during crunch moments for the franchise this year and with the depth in their bowling line up especially with the likes of Morris, Chahal they are eyeing for the first IPL title this year.
