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AB de Villiers joins Barbados Tridents for 2016 CPL

by Manuj Sharma Thursday 11 February 2016

AB de Villiers believes the CPL matches won't be interfering with his international commitments.

©REUTERS / Action Images

Flamboyant South African batsman AB de Villiers has signed with the Barbados Tridents franchise for the upcoming season of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

De Villiers, who now captains South Africa in Test matches apart from One-Day Internationals will not be missing any games for his national side during his stint in the CPL.

Indian business tycoon Vijay Mallya, who owns the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise in the Indian Premier League has acquired the Barbados Tridents team earlier this month.

Stating that the CPL season fits well with the international schedule of South Africa, de Villiers is happy to be joining hands with Mallya in Barbados.

“Barbados is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and I am honoured to have been invited to join the Tridents.

“The CPL has been growing each year, and I’m pleased that this year the league fits so neatly within the Proteas’ international schedule.

“Dr Vijay Mallya, Chairman of Royal Challengers Bangalore, my team in the Indian Premier League, has recently secured an interest in the Tridents and I am very much looking forward to joining forces with him in another part of the world."

In the recent past, de Villiers expressed concern over his increasing workloads and stated that he will have to find a way to keep himself fresh in order to enjoy the game.

However, de Villiers is confident that his participation in the CPL will not be interfering with his commitments in international cricket.

“I’ve had a careful look at my schedule and am looking forward to the next few months.

“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.”

Barbados Tridents won the CPL in the 2014 season and were the runners up in the 2015 edition of the tournament.