Hashim Amla to leave South Africa and sign Kolpak deal?

Hashim Amla has attained many highs. Known for his class-apart batsmanship, Amla is fastest to 2,000 (40 innings), 3,000 (57 innings), 4,000 (81 innings) and 5,000 (101 innings) runs in ODIs. In addition, he has triple-century in England, where conditions are favourable for seamers. In T20Is he averages over 30, and has a highest score of 97*. All the same, Amla has not been a part of a World Cup-winning team. For that matter, he had earlier stated that he would like to give his last shot at the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales. However, there are reports that Amla may leave his international career and sign a Kolpak deal. Also read: 8 things you need to know about Kolpak cricketers

Independent Media reported that Amla has approached various county clubs, including Lion club. It was earlier reported that Morne Morkel would play for Warwickshire. It is the same Morkel who had stated that he would quit limited-overs to focus on Test cricket. It all began when pacer Kyle Abott joined Hampshire. A few months later batsman Rilee Rossouw followed suit. The chain then extended, as Dane Vilas joined Lancashire and Stiaan van Zyl joined Sussex to choose the lucrative league over South Africa. With AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn already out due to injuries, it has been hurting South Africa dearly of late. The latest example is the 3-1 drubbing against England. In addition, South Africa are all set to have a new coach in Ottis Gibson, replacing Russell Domingo. This adds more to the transition phase.

“Give him [Morkel] what he wants. Let him retire on his terms. We need him this summer. I have not seen him bowl this well for many, many season,” said Allan Donald in a report published by glonews360.com.