Johannesburg: South Africa captain Quinton de Kock has decided to take a mental break from the game on medical advice. Hence, he will miss the upcoming domestic Twenty 20 tournament. He is expected to take time off “for a few weeks”, South Africa Cricketers’ Association (SACA) CEO Andrew Breetzke said.
“SACA and Cricket South Africa will continue to support him through this process,” said Breetzke told ESPNcricinfo.
Last month, de Kock had said that he was feeling the blue of living in bio-bubbles during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The 28-year-old described it as “unsettling”. He had also expressed his doubts over the tour of Pakistan.
de Kock, who is the limited-overs skipper of South Africa, had agreed to lead the side in a temporary capacity.
Under his captaincy, South Africa won two Tests against Sri Lanka in December-January home series. However, de Kock failed to carry on the momentum in Pakistan where the Proteas lost both Test and T20I series.
Earlier this week, Cricket South Africa director of cricket and former skipper Graeme Smith had said that all contracted players would play in the domestic T20 tournament. Presently, de Kock and Faf du Plessis have not been named in any of the teams.
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On Wednesday, du Plessis has announced retirement from Test cricket, but he said that he would focus on the shortest format of the game.
“We are trying to manage these bubble lives that the players are spending time in, the mental health and welfare of players,” said Smith.
“But we need to do get our players playing. We’ve got a lot of growth to happen in our men’s game and for players to step up.”
The T20 tournament will be played in Durban during February 19-29, and all players will be staying in a bio-secure environment.
