South African Kallis to play in Caribbean tournament

Castries (St. Lucia), Dec 18 (IANS/CMC) Outstanding South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis will ply his trade in next year’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the organisers have confirmed.

The 39-year-old announced his retirement from international cricket last July but has continued to play Twenty20 cricket for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and for Sydney Thunder in the Australia Big Bash, reports CMC.

Kallis joins the likes of former Australian Ricky Ponting and England’s Kevin Pietersen who has campaigned in the Caribbean tournament since its inception last year.

“I have really enjoyed playing in the Caribbean with the Proteas and am looking forward to hopefully returning for the CPL,” said Kallis Wednesday.

“It is an amazing place with amazing people and I am excited to see what team I will be playing for. CPL has produced some fantastic cricket and the fans really bring a special atmosphere so I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Kallis is the contemporary game’s most prolific all-rounder. He amassed 13,289 runs in 166 Tests with 45 centuries and an average of 55, allowing him to top South Africa’s all-time list and sit third in the international aggregates behind Indian Sachin Tendulkar and Australian Ponting.

He ended his One-Day International (ODI) career with 11,579 runs in 328 matches, with 17 centuries at an average if 44.

CPL international cricket director Tom Moody said the player’s presence in the tournament would be a huge asset.

“The addition of these cricketing greats to the roster for CPL 2015 is testament to the growing success of the ‘Biggest Party in Sport’ which has grown significantly since its inaugural year,” Moody said.

“And, with players of this calibre getting on board, CPL is offering young Caribbean cricketers a great opportunity to test their skills against some of the best of their generation.”

Kallis finished with 292 wickets in Tests and 273 in ODIs.