South African pace bowler, Vernon Philander who announced his retirement from international cricket earlier this year so that he can play county cricket has received a major shock as Somerset has canceled his Kolpak deal.
The Kolpak deal helped the players from African countries earn a proper living as the English counties offered them more money than what their cricket boards offered. Hence, a majority of the African players who did not receive proper opportunities in their country migrated to England and signed this deal.
Philander had retired from international cricket with the intention of playing for Somerset for the rest of his life. However, the Coronavirus pandemic has cancelled that deal.
Making the decision official last evening, the director of Somerset cricket, Andy Hurry told the reporters:
“These are clearly very uncertain and challenging times for all Counties with no cricket until at least the 1st July and the likelihood of a condensed and truncated season. It was such an exciting prospect to visualise Vernon returning to the County Ground, but given the current uncertainty the cancellation of his contract was a prudent and sensible decision.”
He even expressed his gratitude to the South African player and continued:
“I would like to thank Vernon and his management team for their understanding of the current situation and we hope one day to see Vernon back wearing Somerset colours.”
This cancelation is a major blow to Philander because the cricketer may find it very hard to make both ends meet now.
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