'It’s going to start being tough for players' - Quinton de Cock weighs in workload debate following Stokes' retirement

South African wicket-keeper Quinton de Cock has opined that retiring from one format could be a new normal.  Quinton said that the players ought to think about what format to play and what not as the schedule is getting a bit clumsy at the moment.

He added that he had not become free after his Test retirement, highlighting the fact that he has been actively participating in the T20 franchise tournaments. Quinton added that he was happy to sacrifice and is currently in a better place to decide what to play and what not.

"It hasn't freed up my calendar - at least not this year," de Kock said, in his first press engagement since stepping away from Tests. "I've been roped in to play a couple of leagues but that's my own consequence. I am happy to do it. It's still a sacrifice but I'm slowly getting to an age where I need to think about where I want to be in my career. As long as I can do it at my own pace then I am happy."

Quinton said that he aims for the 2023 World Cup and wants to win it for the country. However, the batter admitted that if a player can play all the three formats, then he would be “happy” for them. Ben Stokes’ retirement from ODIs sparked a debate in the cricketing circle.

"Players need to make decisions individually and if they feel they can do it , I am happy for them. But guys need to take decisions into their own hands. For me, I am happy where I am."

Former Pakistani great, Wasim Akram, recently, opined that the ODI format should be scrapped completely. The English Test coach and former Kiwi batter, Brendon McCullum said that one had to look at the positive side of it.

Former England great, Nasser Hussain also slammed the cricket schedule, claiming that, “it is bit of a joke”. Many former players and current players suggested for a change in the calendar. And Quinton de Cock is on the same page. He admitted that the schedule needs a look into and has to be changed. The third ODI between England and South Africa was abandoned due to rain. The series ended in 1-1 draw.