Can't wait to play in the Caribbean Premier League: Jacques Kallis

Jacques Kallis, who has taken up a mentorship role at KKR, will play in the CPL next year

Castries (St. Lucia), Dec 18 - Outstanding South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis will ply his trade in next year's Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the organisers have confirmed.

The 39-year-old announced his retirement from international cricket last July but will continue to play T20 cricket at the franchise level. He is due to represent Sydney Thunder in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) and will also be seen in action during the CPL, reports CMC.

He, however, has ended his playing career in the IPL, with him having been announced as KKR’s mentor and batting consultant for the 2015 season.

"I have really enjoyed playing in the Caribbean with the Proteas and am looking forward to hopefully returning for the CPL," Kallis said on Wednesday.

"It is an amazing place with amazing people and I am excited to see what team I will be playing for. CPL has produced some fantastic cricket and the fans really bring a special atmosphere so I can't wait to be a part of it."

Kallis is the contemporary game's most prolific all-rounder. He amassed 13,289 runs in 166 Tests with 45 centuries at an average of 55, allowing him to top South Africa's all-time list and sit third in the international aggregates behind India’s Sachin Tendulkar and Australia’s Ponting.

He ended his One-Day International (ODI) career with 11,579 runs in 328 matches, including 17 centuries at an average of 44.

CPL’s Director of Cricket Tom Moody said the player's presence in the tournament would be a huge asset.

"The addition of these cricketing greats to the roster for CPL 2015 is testament to the growing success of the 'Biggest Party in Sport' which has grown significantly since its inaugural year," Moody said.

"And, with players of this calibre getting on board, CPL is offering young Caribbean cricketers a great opportunity to test their skills against some of the best of their generation."

Kallis finished with 292 wickets in Test matches, in addition to his 273 scalps in ODIs.