Quinton de Kock talks about the biggest challenge in South African cricket

South African cricketer Quinton de Kock is currently in India plying his trade for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL. However, the wicketkeeper-batsman is still pretty much connected and concerned about the happenings in South African cricket. Recently, as per the quotes in Times of India, de Kock spoke at length at the biggest challenge that cricket is facing in his homeland.

He singled out the Kolpak deals as the biggest challenge for the sport in the country. In the recent times, several national cricketers are quitting international cricket to play in the English County by signing the Kolpak deals. Pace bowler Morne Morkel is the latest in the list of such players.

Currently, 12 South African players are on the Kolpak deal. They usually choose this path for better financial stability. Commenting on the same, Quinton de Kock noted it is unfortunate to see talented players head out of the country. At the same time, he admitted it is tough to comprehend the reasons for the switch that players make.

“It’s a tough thing in South African cricket. Nevertheless it’s a personal decision by the players concerned when they sign Kolpak deals. You never know why they have done it. Probably there is too much talent back home and that could be a reason they think they can’t make it,” Quinton de Kock quoted.

Cricket not the only sport affected

Commenting further on the same note, Quinton de Kock added that this particular challenge is not restricted to the sport of cricket. The Kolpak signings are a big challenge for the other sports as well. The players from the other sports are also striking similar deals in their respective sports.

“It is not just in cricket, but it is happening in a couple of other sports as well. It’s a challenge we need to take head-on. There are a couple of reasons, but it is just the way it is,” said De Kock.

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