Top 10 retirements from international cricket in 2017

7. South Africa's 'Kolpak trio'

Kyle Abbott, Rilee Rossouw and David Wiese signed Kolpak deals earlier in the year

In September 2016, Cricket South Africa announced a revised selection policy which mandated the selection of a minimum of six players classed as black (including at least two black Africans) in the starting eleven for each game. In the wake of this decision, an exodus of players was feared.

Cricket South Africa's worst fears came true when three of its established national team players namely Kyle Abbott, Rilee Rossouw and David Wiese signed Kolpak deals with English counties, thereby effectively ruling them out from international cricket. While Abbott was a regular across formats, Rossouw and Wiese featured prominently in coloured clothing.

Russell Domingo, South Africa's coach, was particularly critical of the decision taken by the players and accused them of not being sincere with the management. Captain Faf Du Plessis appealed Cricket South Africa to act promptly to prevent any further departures.