The national skipper plans to carry on playing for his country during the 2000 and 2001 seasons, and has been released by the county, according to United Cricket Board managing director Ali Bacher.

If he had taken the coaching job it would have clashed with a South African tour of Sri Lanka starting in August next year.

"He has committed himself to the national team," said a statement from Bacher which followed lengthy discussions with Cronje.

"Obviously no-one can be guaranteed a place in the national side but, form and fitness permitting, Hansie still has an enormous amount to offer South African cricket and I'm glad to say that he accepts this."

No cash claim

Bacher hoped that 30-year-old Cronje would lead the country to the 2003 World Cup in South Africa, form and fitness permitting.

No money had been offered to Cronje to compensate for the loss of the Glamorgan contract, while Bacher thanked Glamorgan chief executive Mike Fatkin for graciously releasing the player.

Fatkin was disappointed but not surprised.

"Although we have a signed agreement with Hansie in place, he has clearly been put under an enormous amount of pressure by his board - and others," he maintained.

"And as he has now had second thoughts we feel that there is little to be gained by pursuing the matter, disappointing though it is for us to have to accept that he isn't coming.

"The circumstances have changed considerably over the past month or so and although we do feel a little aggrieved to learn of Hansie's withdrawal, we understand the pressure that's been put on him and respect his decision.

"Although the news is disappointing it is clearly better for us to have been made aware of the circumstances now rather than in the new year when it would have been much more difficult for us to line up a replacement.

"We had an excellent list of applicants and in the light of this news we have already followed up one or two lines of inquiry.

"We do have someone in mind and remain very confident that the appointment of a top-quality, high-profile coach will be made well in advance of the 2000 season."