Former South African fast bowler Kyle Abbott, who left South African cricket for a Kolpak deal, has admitted that he has no bad feelings towards Cricket South Africa (CSA) over his decision to leave his home country.
Earlier this year, Abbott confirmed of him signing a four-year Kolpak deal with Hampshire, citing "security" as his main motivating factor for heading north.
In a Kolpak deal, players are allowed to compete in domestic cricket in South Africa in the English winter, but they must give up their international careers while under contract in England.
The arrangement provides players with greater job security, but also greater remuneration.
"At the moment I don't have any regrets, I don't have anything bitter or any sour grapes towards Cricket South Africa," Sport24 quoted Abbott as saying.
"I wouldn't be able to play cricket in England or sign a Kolpak deal if Cricket South Africa never have given me the opportunity. I'm at peace with them, I don't think I've burnt any bridges and they'll still my mates."
"I still speak to the coaching staff even during the Sri Lankan series, so I'm feeling very comfortable in my decision," he added.
Abbott, who made his Test debut in 2013, has struggled to establish himself in the South African line-up, having played only 11 Tests over the past four years.
He was also involved in one of the most controversial moments in South Africa's World Cup history after being dropped at the last moment from the side to accommodate the return of injured Vernon Philander for their semi-final loss against New Zealand.
The 29-year-old has confessed that he came close to giving up his international cricket career after the controversial decision.
"I always felt like I was close to being dropped and I think I had good reason to (leave). I was dropped after some pretty decent performances for South Africa, from my debut to the World Cup," he said.
"I always felt no matter what I did, I was always on the verge of being dropped for someone better or for a new player," he added.
Abbott has joined Dane Vilas, David Wiese, Rilee Rossouw, Colin Ingram, Stiaan van Zyl, Simon Harmer and Hardus Viljoen who have ended their international career in order to secure their financial future.
The right-arm pacer made appearances in 11 Tests, 28 ODIs and 21 T20Is for South Africa.
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