Cape Town – Former Proteas star batsman AB de Villiers has pulled back on his plans to play in the upcoming 2019/20 Big Bash League (BBL).

According to the tournament’s official website, De Villiers has “cooled” on playing in this year’s tournament.

Earlier this year, De Villiers was heavily linked to a R3.5 million worth deal with the Sydney Sixers.

Cricket Australia announced that each BBL club will now be permitted to sign up to six overseas players during the season, an increase from four, in a change that is hoped will lure more foreign stars to the competition.

Franchises will be allowed a maximum of two overseas players on their 18-player roster at any one time.

De Villiers was recently involved in a media storm after it was revealed that the former Proteas skipper wanted to make himself available for World Cup selection just ahead of the April 18 squad announcement.

De Villiers, who was in India at the time, had approached skipper Faf du Plessis and coach Ottis Gibson before the 15-man World Cup squad was announced stating his intentions to play in England.

The news was relayed to Zondi and the selection team on the day of the squad announcement, but the decision was taken to deny De Villiers’ request.

READ: Gibson responds: If AB wanted to be here, he would be here

The Proteas have started off their Cricket World Cup campaign poorly as they have only won once in five games.