Dwaine Pretorius has retired from international cricket with immediate effect, Cricket South Africa said in a media release on Monday (January 9). The all-rounder said he wants to shift his focus to T20 and other shorter formats of the game.
“A few days ago, I made one of the toughest decisions of my cricketing career. I have decided to retire from all forms of international cricket,” Pretorius said in the retirement note. “Growing up, my only goal in life was to play for the Proteas. I didn’t know how it was going to happen, but God gave me talent and a serious will to succeed. The rest was in his hands.
“I am shifting my focus to T20 and other shorter formats for the rest of my career. Being a free agent will help me achieve the goal of being the best short format player I can be. By doing this, I will be able to have a better balance in my career and family life,” he added.
Pretorius, 33, made his international debut in 2016 and represented South Africa across all three formats in 30 T20Is, 27 ODIs and three Tests, featuring in two World Cups.
He holds the record for the best bowling figures by a South Africa in T20Is with his 5/17 against Pakistan in 2021. Later in the year, he returned nine wickets in the Men’s T20 WC in the UAE. He also has 261 runs to his name at a strike-rate of 164.15 in the format.
Pretorius has featured in leagues around the world including the IPL, The Hundred and Caribbean Premier League. Post retirement, he’ll be in action at the inaugural SA20 that gets underway on Tuesday (January 10), plying his trade for Durban Super Giants.
“I leave the Proteas team knowing that every time I stepped on to the field, I gave everything I had in me. From playing with broken toes, fingers and torn muscles, to carrying drinks, team meetings and helping other players wherever I could. It has been a blast.
Pretorius also thanked all his coaches, players and teammates along his international journey.
“All the players I have played with and against over the years you have had an impact on my career. It’s so difficult to highlight only one or two because there are so many players that had an impact, but I can mention a few I was fortunate to spend a lot of time with.
“Hardus Viljoen, Chris Morris, Nicky van den Bergh, Rassie Van Der Dussen, Steven Cook, Tabraiz Shamsi, Anrich Nortje, Neil Mackenzie and a special mention has to go to Andrea Agathagelou, we spent hours and hours training together in an effort to reach our goal in playing for the Proteas. Without a doubt I would not be where I am today without all your help and support.
“A special mention goes to Faf Du Plessis, who brought me back after being let go from the international side the first time and who backed me and helped me become a better player; thank you,” he noted.
“We would like to thank Dwaine for all his services to South African cricket.” CSA Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe said. “He has always represented the badge with the utmost pride, determination and commitment, leaving everything on the field every time he pulled on the Proteas shirt. His all-round ability added to his value as a player and his quality will no doubt be missed. Go well Dwaine, we wish you well in the next step of your career.”
