Former Proteas fast bowler Duanne Olivier has insisted a controversial move to Yorkshire was not motivated by financial gains.

Olivier ended a burgeoning international career earlier this year, after a signing a Kolpak contract in English county cricket.

‘It’s not for the money – it’s about where I wanted to go and what I wanted to achieve in my life,’ he told Sky Sports.

‘Relocating here is probably best for me and my wife and our future. Cricketing-wise, I feel there are a lot more opportunities over here. I feel like I can improve my cricket.

‘Test cricket is the ultimate format you want to play in – I know I gave that up and I know the consequences around it.

‘I have done pretty well for South Africa and I will always be honoured have represented them. It is something I will cherish for many years to come.

‘I just felt at this point in time I needed this and I felt I made the right decision. I don’t regret it and I am very happy. If I make a decision I am committed to it 100% and I am not backing down from it.

‘You play cricket to make money, so when you retire you don’t have to work as much, but there is more to it. Starting a new life is exciting for me.

‘I don’t have kids at the moment, but in the future raising them here would be good for them. Coming here also felt like walking into a big family, and for me family is important.’

Right-armer Olivier took 48 wickets in 10 Tests and earned an ODI debut in a World Cup year prior to the decision to join Yorkshire.

‘There were some people who were understanding and a lot of people who did not understand – people thought I was doing it for money or that I used South Africa as a stepping stone,’ he added.

‘It’s not like that at all – if I had used it as a stepping stone I would have done it after making my Test debut against Sri Lanka in 2017.’

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