Dwaine Pretorius retires from international cricket

Dwaine Pretorius has announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket with immediate effect, Cricket South Africa confirmed through a press release on Monday (January 9). 

"A few days ago, I made one of the toughest decisions of my cricketing career. I have decided to retire from all forms of international cricket. Growing up, my only goal in life was to play for the Proteas. 

"I didn’t know how it was going to happen, but God gave me talent and a serious will to succeed. The rest was in his hands," Pretorius said in a statement released by the board. 

The all-rounder made his international debut in 2016, and since then, featured in two World Cups and played 30 T20Is, 27 ODIs and three Test matches. 

The 33-year-old is the most sought-after player in the shortest format and holds the record for the best figures for a Proteas player with his record-breaking 5-17 against Pakistan in 2021. 

Pretorius also cited the reason for his sudden retirement to focus more on the T20 franchise leagues around the globe, which will also enable him to spend more time with his family. 

"I am shifting my focus to T20 and other shorter formats for the rest of my career. Being a free agent will help me achieve the goal of being the best short-format player I can be. By doing this, I will be able to have a better balance in my career and family life," he said. 

Pretorius would have been the first-choice all-rounder in the T20 World Cup Down Under but a thumb fracture resulted in him missing the mega event. Marco Jansen has since then replaced him as the all-rounder in the white-ball format. 

"A special mention goes to Faf Du Plessis, who brought me back after being let go from the international side the first time and who backed me and helped me become a better player; thank you," he said. 

"I leave the Proteas team knowing that every time I stepped onto the field, I gave everything I had in me. From playing with broken toes, fingers and torn muscles to carrying drinks, team meetings and helping other players wherever I could. It has been a blast. Thank you to all the fans for your support and love -you made it extra special," he concluded.