AB De Villiers had represented Brisbane Heat in the previous edition of the Big Bash League (BBL). He had a fairly decent season as well. ABD has now decided not to play for Brisbane Heat in the upcoming edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) as he and his wife are expecting their third child. De Villiers said that uncertainties surrounding travel and conditions due to the Covid-19 situation played a part in him opting out for the T20 tournament.
“We’re expecting our latest child very soon and with a young, growing family and the uncertainty around travel and conditions due to Covid-19, we reluctantly decided it wasn’t going to be this season,” ABD said.
“The Heat were great to us last season and I am very open to returning to the club in future. The team didn’t get the results we were hoping for and I consider there is some unfinished business to deal with,” he added. De Villiers had signed a contract with the BBL franchise last season and scored 146 runs at an average of 24.33. The seasoned campaigner has been in fine form in the ongoing IPL, having amassed 324 runs at an average of 54.
Brisbane Heats head coach said the team was keen to have de Villiers’ service in the upcoming season. The Big Bash League is scheduled to start on December 3 with a clash between Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades. Meanwhile, Heat have re-signed Afghanistan’s spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman. “We are pleased to have Mujeeb back with us and with the BBL schedule potentially looking quite different to the usual format, his versatility and ability to create chances in a range of conditions will be very important for us,” said head coach Darren Lehmann. Mujeeb will be playing his third season for the franchise. He had taken three wickets at an economy rate of 6.16 last season.