Dane Piedt retires from South Africa cricket to pursue career in the USA

The last few years many talented South African cricketers have moved to the United Kingdom on Kolpak deals. The list includes Kyle Abbott, Morne Morkel, Rilee Rossouw, Vernon Philander and many others. This has majorly hurt the Proteas as many good young and experienced cricketers can’t be now picked for the national side.

On Friday, it was announced that Cape Cobras captain Dane Piedt will be moving to the United States of America. He will be participating in the Minor League 20-20 tournament, which will launch later this summer. The move ensures that the off-spinner will never again play for South Africa. He had represented Proteas nine times in Tests and picked up 26 wickets in them.

Dane Piedt is expected to try his luck out in the USA, where the national team would be more than happy to acquire the services of Piedt. The 30-year-old hinted a possibility of making abut international comeback but for the USA. “The USA were given ODI status last year, so it’s not completely out of question”, Piedt told the ESPNcricinfo. “I will have a choice of four cities, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles or Seattle- to love in but the rest will be a surprise.”

‘To new beginnings’: Dane Piedt

The former Cape Cobras skipper also uploaded a post from his official Twitter handle to let his fans know about this fresh start. In the post, it can be seen that the off-spinner is signing a penned-contract. The caption of the post read, “To new beginnings”

To new beginnings 🇺🇸… 🥂 pic.twitter.com/XFZIOxC7z0

— Dane Piedt (@dane_piedt63) March 27, 2020

During the candid conversation, Piedt also revealed that he knows his chances of ever playing regular cricket for South Africa. “Shammo [Tabraiz Shamsi] has really made a mark in white-ball cricket and Keshav [Maharaj] has done exceptionally well for the Test side, he has done exactly what the team needs,” Piedt said.

“And if you look at the schedule, South Africa is not due to tour the subcontinent again soon and that’s the only place where I might get a game,” he added.

Dane Piedt didn’t follow a track which many other South Africans have. He also revealed that he was offered a Kolpak deal by a county a few years ago but rejected it. “This opportunity came to me, I didn’t go out looking for it,” Dane said on his move the USA.

Interestingly, Rusty Theron, who once played for South Africa in a few international matches, represented the USA after moving to the country. So, it would be interesting to see Piedt gets his international call for the USA side.