Western Province has received another blow in their preparation for the new season after Proteas great Hashim Amla confirmed that he will not be returning to Newlands.

Amla’s departure from the team comes shortly after WP’s former coach, Ashwell Prince, joined Bangladesh as a batting consultant and Vernon Philander joined Pakistan as a bowling coach for the T20 World Cup.

Despite originally being named in the WP squad in the new Cricket SA first-class structure for the 2021-22 season, Amla told Independent Online that he won’t be returning to the Cape.

“I have always enjoyed my time playing at Newlands for the Cape Cobras and working as the batting consultant at the Cape Town Blitz and I want to thank Western Province for their open communication throughout the entire contracting,” Amla said.

“I have made this decision based on where I am currently in my career and with a view to my future endeavours. I want to wish the squad all the best for the coming season.”

The decision will come as a blow for WP cricket, especially as Amla is coming off a successful season with Surrey CC in the English County Championship. In 12 matches, he scored a total of 771 runs, at an average of 51.40.

Western Province have yet to confirm their new head coach, with Faiek Davids currently filling in as interim head coach. Davids, former Proteas pace bowler Roger Telemachus and former Proteas Women’s assistant coach Saliegh Nackerdien have all interviewed for the job, while current Titans assistant coach Geoff Toyana and recently resigned Proteas assistant coach Enoch Nkwe have been linked to the role.

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