'It hasn't freed up my calendar' - Quinton de Kock gives an insight into the busy cricket schedule

South Africa’s wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock hasn’t experienced any significant change in his busy cricket calendar despite taking retirement from Test cricket. The left-hander decided to bid adieu to the longest format of the game in December last year to spend some quality time with his family. 

However, De Kock is yet to get some time away from the game. The T20 leagues are keeping the wicketkeeper busy throughout the year. Apart from the ODI and T20Is, De Kock has been participating in a lot of domestic tournaments across the globe. 

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De Kock happy to play T20 leagues

The batter played for Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League during the first half of the year. He is now in England to mark his presence in the Hundred followed by the Caribbean Premier League. 

"It hasn't freed up my calendar - at least not this year. 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," the 29-year-old stated as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. 

The wicketkeeper advises the players to make choices between the formats

Furthermore, the Johannesburg-born revealed that the players will have to make choices between the formats. De Kock is of the idea that it will be difficult for the cricketers to keep up with the packed international schedules along with the T20 leagues.

He wants the players to make decisions based on what they want to preserve their physical and mental health. 

"It's going to start being tough for players - three formats is a lot and it looks like more games are happening over the calendar. 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. When you're still young, you need to play all three formats and get certain things done in your career. It starts getting harder as you start getting older and the body doesn't cooperate like it used to," de Kock concluded.