It's global cricketing issue to keep players inspired for all three formats: AB de Villiers

South Africa great Ab de Villiers feels it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep players "inspired" for all three formats amid punishing schedule, creating a pressing need for cricket boards and cricketers to have an honest communication over latter's preferred choice of formats.

38-year-old, who shocked cricketing world with his international retirement in 2018, said his playing career too could have been mand better. Three years later, he retired from all forms of cricket.

He left game to spend more time with family, something which has become a luxury for an all-format modern cricketer. Considering ever-crowded international calendar and mushrooming of T20 leagues around world, playing all three formats has become impossible without taking frequent breaks in between.

England Test captain Ben Stokes was forced to retire from ODIs last year as he could t go on giving his best across formats. "That's a tough question," De Villiers told PTI when asked about need for picking formats amid relentless scheduling.

"Because I don't want to be guy to just say give up a format or two. And once again, it's a global cricketing issue at moment to keep players inspired to play all formats of game for ir countries." De Villiers believes players' careers could be extended if y were clear about ir ambitions across formats. He also expects cricketing boards to clearly communicate to players over where y stand in ir scheme of things.

"But I do think re's room with various boards around world to pinpoint players, to have community discussions and communication early on in players’ careers, to understand what y want to achieve, first of all, and secondly, where y fit in with regards to cricket in ir own country to represent country internationally.

"But also to be happy to play leagues around world. And to gain experience, it's invaluable. We spoke about it earlier, players like SKY (Suryakumar), Dewald Brevis and myself, way we took our games to next level, largely because of se leagues.

"So ultimately, that is what we want to achieve. If it's t achievable. And if re's a clear sign that a player is maybe a bit weak in one format, or is maybe t as inspired to achieve milestones to go a long way in one or two formats, n yes, but that communication needs to happen.

"And I think during my career communication could have been better from my side, but also from Cricket South Africa side to make sure that we plan accordingly. So it comes down to communication," said 'Mr.360'.

De Villiers is part of SA20 commentary panel. inaugural competition has taken an eight-day break to accommodate ODI series betweens hosts South Africa and England, highlighting scheduling challenges faced by boards.

"I don't think it is (break) ideal to be honest. So difficult to get scheduling right and keep everyone happy. We want to see countries take each or on. It is ultimate form of viewership but with all se leagues excitement is re and it is financially healthy.

"It is very difficult for ICC and everyone to make sure that scheduling benefits everyone. I honestly don't kw what answer is," said de Villiers.

'Doubt if we will ever see Indian players in overseas leagues'. BCCI doesn't allow Indian players to feature in overseas T20 leagues and it is t going to change in foreseeable future. De Villiers sees a lot of merit in BCCI's stance.

"I would love to see it happening very soon but you don't see Indian players being released for leagues around world. So I don't kw if that will ever change. And rightfully so. I mean, BCCI has a very clear plan with players, y want to win World Cups.

"y want to make sure players have exposure y need and obviously re's league better than than IPL. Once some of leagues maybe kck on ir door, you never kw," he added.