McKenzie retires, Petersen denied MCL stint

Former South Africa batsman Neil McKenzie has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. McKenzie had already retired from first-class cricket in March but continued playing limited-overs cricket for his franchise Highveld Lions. Meanwhile, his Lions team-mate Alviro Petersen did not receive an NOC and will not be traveling to the UAE to participate in the Masters Champions League because he is contractually bound to play for his South African franchise.

The franchise has agreed to release McKenzie from his contract with immediate effect. The batsman is currently a part of the Virgo Super Kings franchise in the MCL, a tournament for retired players, and played his first match in the tournament on January 29. McKenzie scored 8571 runs at an average of 37.92 in his 298 List A matches and 3357 runs in his 155 domestic T20s. The Lions have agreed to release McKenzie from his contract with immediate effect.

“Cricket has given me a career, passion and terrific memories. Few players can say that they have been able to play at a professional level for this long and I am grateful for the opportunities, friendship and memories that I can take away from my playing career. The Bullring will always remain my home away from home and I hope to still be involved in the game at some level,” McKenzie told sport24.

Petersen retired from international cricket in January 2015 but remains contracted to the Lions franchise, for whom he scored a double-hundred in the most recent round of first-class matches. For any player to receive an NOC, their franchise has to agree and then apply to CSA for a final signature.

Petersen tweeted his situation on Monday. “Its with regret that I announce that @HighveldLions CEO & Board denied me an NOC to play in @MCL2020UAE . My team mate Mc Kenzie got his NOC.”