Andrew Hall quits international cricket

Allrounder yet to state his reasons

September 1, 2007

A disappointed Andrew Hall turns his back on South Africa © AFP

Andrew Hall, the South African allrounder, has quit international cricket. The reasons for Hall's abrupt decision are not known and it's believed that it was a result of his disappointment after being left out of the squad for the Twenty20 World Championship.

Tony Irish, the chief executive of the South African Cricketers Association, said he was surprised at Hall's decision. There was no confirmation of any links to the Indian Cricket League (ICL), which had signed up three Pakistan players who were also omitted for the Twenty20 Championship.

"It took me completely by surprise," Irish was quoted in Pretoria News. "Usually, I'm aware of what a player is thinking and they consult me. But this came out of the blue. I was told today by Cricket South Africa about the resignation and immediately contacted Andrew. He made it clear to me that his decision was not open to debate. I told him that I was concerned about the way he had handled the matter and said I was disappointed with his attitude."

Hall is currently in England playing for Kent as an overseas professional. Graham Ford, the coach, too felt that Hall may have been bitter after his omission.

"He felt he had done a lot to cement his place in the national team and had received an improved contract from Cricket South Africa," Ford said. "I can only assume that he was reacting to the bitter disappointment of being left out of the World Cup [Championship] squad."