South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock was warned that international cricket may be about to change as it becomes increasingly more difficult for players to compete in all three formats.
De Kock, who made an unbeaten 92 before the third ODI at Headingley on Sunday was washed out, ended his Test career in December after becoming a father for the first time.
Questions regarding a congested calendar were raised again after England all-rounder Ben Stokes shocked the cricketing world by announcing his ODI retirement less than a week ago.
But de Kock suggested that this could become the new normal for international cricket, as players need to consider if “they feel they can” play all three formats or not.
“It’s going to start being tough for players – three formats is a lot and it looks like more games are happening over the calendar,” De Kock said after the third ODI against England was rained off.
“Players need to make decisions individually and if they feel they can do it (play Tests, ODIs and Twenty20 internationals), I am happy for them.
“But guys need to take decisions into their own hands. For me, I am happy where I am.”
De Kock retired from Test cricket after a 113-run defeat to India in the first match of their series last December.
The 29-year-old said that he wanted to spend more time with family, but he’s been as busy as ever after returning from two months away from the sport for paternity leave.
The wicketkeeper-batsman played for the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League, before touring England with the Proteas.
De Kock said that retiring from Test cricket “hasn’t freed up” his schedule.
“I’ve been roped in to play a couple of leagues but that’s my own consequence,” he said.
“I am happy to do it. It’s still a sacrifice but I’m slowly getting to an age where I need to think about where I want to be in my career.”
South Africa have never won a 50-over World Cup, but they’ll have the chance to make history in the tournament next year in India.
“The (50-over) game is doing well for itself with the way players are going about it and from a batting and bowling competitiveness.
“There’s a future for it and a lot of us still want to win 50-over World Cups.”
