Barnes cricket club have denied rumours that South Africa One Day captain AB de Villiers will be joining them.

Rumours surfaced that De Villiers was set to play for the cricket club on a one-month deal to keep match fit for his 20/20 career. It is believed that his old school friends represent the club.

However, Barnes were quick to squash any possibility of the 33-year-old One Day record holder turning out for the Middlesex County Cricket League side.

It read: “While we are obviously out to recruit new players and are flattered by AB de Villiers’ alleged interest, it is mid-season and such suggestions are extremely disruptive to team unity.

“Anyone is welcome to attend Wednesday net sessions and will be selected on merit.

“We intend to proceed on the basis that AB de Villiers will not be joining us this summer and we hope that this clears up any misunderstandings.”