van Jaarsveld quits South Africa
Martin van Jaarsveld has joined the steady trickle of players turning their backs on South Africa to take advantage of European employment laws by terminating his contract with the South African board and heading north
Cricinfo staff
24-Feb-2005
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A statement issued by the UCBSA said the decision to end the contract, which expires in April, was by mutual consent. "Martin has indicated to us that he intends pursuing his career in England and we respect his decision," a spokesman said. "He has been transparent and honest in his discussions with ourselves and we wish him well."
van Jaarsveld played nine Tests between 2002-03 and 2004-05, scoring 397 runs at 30.53. His final appearance was against England in December when he made 1 and 49. He also played 11 ODIs, scoring 124 runs at 20.66.
"An opportunity has arisen for me to pursue my career on a permanent basis with Kent," van Jaarsveld explained. "I have had frank and open discussions with Haroon Lorgat, the interim chairman of national selectors, who has discussed my prospects of national selection with me in a sincere and honest manner. I am appreciative of such frankness and, having understood that my future International prospects might be limited, I needed to weigh up my options and make a decision that was in the best interests of my long-term future.
"The representation of my country has always been my priority as a professional cricketer."
Kent confirmed that van Jaasveld, 30, had signed a deal as a Kolpak player.
A spokesman for the Titans, van Jaasveld's franchise side, said that they would be looking at the possibilities of retaining his services.