Lizelle Lee’s retirement hints at a dispute within the South Africa camp

The unsaid reasons behind Lizelle Lee's surprise retirement from international cricket have hinted at a dispute in the South African camp. Lee made the announcement on July 8, four days after playing the first game in South Africa's tour of England, a T20I match in Cardiff. Her decision came as a surprise for everyone as the batter was in sublime form. Furthermore, why would she go on the tour only to end her international career?

A CSA release on Friday also quoted Lee, South Africa's second-highest run-getter in ODIs and the highest in T20Is, as saying she had "mixed emotions" about her retirement decision, and that she was "ready for the next phase” in her career and “will continue to play domestic T20 cricket around the world" as well. However, the 30-year-old did not explain the reasons behind her decision in the release.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, South Africa coach Hilton Moreeng was asked during a press conference in Leicester to share his views on reports that CSA had been reluctant to give Lizelle Lee a no-objection certificate to enable her to play in The Hundred in August and September, and that was likely to be a factor behind her announcement as well.

Lizelle Lee’s decision leaves everyone in shock

While Moreeng had no comment, apart from saying he was "not aware" of that, Lee had something else to say. 

"He was definitely aware. I told him in person and it was said in a meeting with CSA," she said. 

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