Bridgetown, Feb 12: South Africa's Test and one-day international skipper AB de Villiers insisted Thursday that he remains committed to the national team as he signed up for the Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament.
The 31-year-old has faced speculation over his future with the Proteas but his appointment last month as successor to Hashim Amla appeared to put an end to the talk.
De Villiers said that he has already turned down an approach to play in Australia's wildly successful Big Bash League later this year as the tournament clashes with a scheduled home series against Sri Lanka.
"I've had a careful look at my schedule and am looking forward to the next few months," said De Villiers, who will play for the Barbados franchise in the six-team Caribbean Premier League in July.
"For players in my position, it is important to find a balance between playing international cricket and participating in the various T20 leagues around the world.
"I remain absolutely committed to international cricket but, this year, it just so happens I can play in the CPL as well.
"In contrast, for example, I have declined offers to play in the Big Bash League in Australia because it clashes with our home series against Sri Lanka."
The player draft for the 2016 CPL was held on Thursday with De Villiers' teammate Faf du Plessis lining up for the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots alongside Australian international Brad Hodge. ?AFP