Duanne Olivier did not quit South Africa and join Yorkshire for money
"I understand people will be upset back home but some people don't understand all the factors that influenced me. I hope people just respect my decision"
Wednesday 1 May 2019 17:54, UK
Duanne Olivier says his decision to quit international cricket with South Africa and sign a Kolpak deal at Yorkshire was not motivated by money.
Olivier was named South Africa's Player of the Series at home to Pakistan over the winter, with the seamer taking 24 wickets in three Tests at an average of 14.70, including three five-fors.
But he paused his career with the Proteas after penning a three-year deal at Headingley in February and has since bagged 11 wickets in two Specsavers County Championship matches.
Speaking ahead of Yorkshire's Sky Live Royal London One-Day Cup game against Northamptonshire on Wednesday, Olivier told Sky Sports why he came to his decision - and why he has no regrets.
"It's not for the money - it's about where I wanted to go and what I wanted to achieve in my life," he said.
"Relocating here is probably best for me and my wife and our future going forward. Cricketing-wise, I feel there are a lot more opportunities over here. I feel like I can improve my cricket.
"Test cricket is the ultimate format you want to play in - I know I gave that up and I know the consequences around it.
"I have done pretty well for South Africa and I will always be honoured have represented them. It is something I will cherish for many years to come.
"I just felt at this point in time I needed this and I felt I made the right decision. I don't regret it and I am very happy. If I make a decision I am committed to it 100 per cent and I am not backing down from it.
"You play cricket to make money so when you retire you don't have to work as much but there is more to it. Starting a new life is exciting for me.
"I don't have kids at the moment but in the future, raising them here would be good for them. Coming here also felt like walking into a big family and for me family is important."
Olivier has rubbished the notion that he used South Africa as a "stepping stone" to earn a lucrative county contract and is now determined to help Yorkshire win some silverware - the White Rose county having gone trophy-less since scooping the Championship title in 2016.
I was getting opportunities in the South Africa side and had done reasonably well, so there were a lot of things to consider. Me and my close family spoke about things, thought about everything going forward and felt this was the best decision for me in life.
The 26-year-old made headlines shortly after his arrival at the club by announcing that he would entertain the idea of playing for England, but has dampened that talk for now.
"There were some people who were understanding and a lot of people who did not understand - people thought I was doing it for money or I used South Africa as a stepping stone," said Olivier.
"It's not like that at all - if I had used it as a stepping stone I would have done it after making my Test debut against Sri Lanka in 2017.
"I understand people will be upset back home but some people don't understand all the factors that influenced me. I hope people just respect my decision.
"The only question I have been asked since I came here is 'why, why, why?' I just want to move on - my focus is playing cricket and doing well for Yorkshire."
On potentially playing for England, the pace bowler added: "I know I said in an interview I want to play for England - there was a lot of controversy around it.
"My pure focus is on Yorkshire - I am contracted here for three years and I just want to do well for the club and hopefully we can win trophies.
"Yorkshire is a club with a lot of history and tradition and they have been doing so well for so many years.
"I am not looking too far ahead. If an opportunity like England arises everything will happen the way it should happen."
Watch Olivier in action for Yorkshire against Northamptonshire in the One-Day Cup on Wednesday. Coverage begins live on Sky Sports Cricket at 12.55pm.
