Andrew Hall quits internationals

South African allrounder, Andrew Hall has announced his retirement from international cricket, stirring speculation that he may be on course to join the controversial Indian Cricket League (ICL).

The 32-year-old, a veteran of 88 one-day internationals and 21 Tests, handed in his resignation to Cricket South Africa (CSA), stating that he is no longer interested in representing the country. The decision comes on the heels of Hall’s omission from the South Africa squad to participate in the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup later this month.

Tony Irish, chief executive of the South African Cricketers’ Association, expressed disappointment at the decision, given that Hall was contracted to CSA until the end of April 2008. “The way he has gone about this is wrong,” said Irish, “We expect administrators to honour the terms of players’ contracts, and the same goes for players. He might be disappointed at not making the squad, but what’s the point of being contracted to CSA if you are going to pull-out halfway through?”

Expectations are that Hall will join the ICL, which has already attracted big names, including Lance Klusener and Nicky Boje among his retired countrymen.