EAST LONDON (South Africa) - It has been a question which has been posed before. Did age finally catch up with South Africa's controversial veteran all-rounder Pat Symcox?

Conversely was he not, as had been his friend and former teammate Fanie de Villiers, almost a year ago, pushed into retirement by a system which is at odds with itself. Politicians making demands which have placed the sort of pressure on administrators who are attempting to appease them, but betray the young players who accept merit selection ahead of affirmative action policies.

But we saw, on television last night, Symmo announcing his retirement as an international player, and with a mystery cloud hanging over this latest twist in the saga and a disciplinary inquiry looming next week. The latter comes after alleged misbehaviour on a flight back from New Zealand last week - charges which the grizzled all-rounder has denied.

Only five days after being short-listed in the South African World Cup squad, the 38-year-old Symcox told viewers of the pay channel SuperSport programme Extra Cover he had pulled the plug on what was left of his international career.

He told presenters Mike Haysman and long-time friend De Villiers, ``Okay, that's it for me''; and admitted he had woken up yesterday morning with the feeling ``it's now time to retire and get on with my life''.

Symcox declined to comment further, either on the programme of via cell phone call, on his retirement and preferred to concentrate on the future of the game, his new role as a TV commentator and co-host with De Villiers of a show the two friends have planned for some time.

Although the question of ``players of colour'' as opposed to merit selection cropped up during the show and Symcox felt there was a need ``for everyone to be given a chance''. He admitted that although he was just a player, ``the United Cricket Board's team selection policy had been clearly spelt out. He had been unaware of last week's row over the selection of the two one-day sides in which he had played until he arrived in South Africa.

Showing the skill and guile of a diplomat, the normally forthright Symmo, displayed the sort of unctuous delivery of a player not so much embittered by a system which discarded him as one who felt it was time for him to move to more profitable pursuits.

As it is he is still to play for Griqualand West next season and perhaps indulge in one last fling at the age of 39.

But it had been known for some time his retirement from the international scene would take place after the World Cup in England on June 20. He had made it known, privately, some time ago, so it has not come as a surprise after his selection only five days before for the World Cup short list of 19.

Certainly last night we had the image most people would prefer to remember as he bowed out with a certain amount of emotionalism which is not a Symcox trademark.

``Look, I'm just a player and as such we are not allowed to say anything, but I agree that everyone who has the ability must be given a chance to earn a place in whatever team they hope to play.''

A question mark had hovered over his future after his dismal performance in the third limited overs international at Eden Park, Auckland, almost 14 days ago when his bowling was hammered to all parts of the oddly-shaped venue. There had been some surprise when his name cropped up in those short listed for the South African World Cup squad announced by selection panel chief, Peter Pollock, at Centurion last Sunday.

``We are a little disappointed with his recent performances (in New Zealand and against the West Indies) but there is a feeling he can still play a role if he returns to form.

``He is experienced and has also been around a long time,'' said Pollock. ``He knows the drill in such pressure competition and can be an important player.''

Symcox turns 39 on April 14 and as such would have been possibly the oldest player among the Test countries taking part in this year's World Cup event in England between May 14 and June 20.

Pollock was not available last night to comment on the retirement or whether they would consider a replacement.

Although his international care is over the disciplinary meeting next week surrounds the row over an altercation involving a steward on board the SAA flight between Perth and Johannesburg early last week. Symcox, it was alleged, became upset when the ``free bar service'' privilege was withdrawn.

This had been done after complaints from other passengers of Symcox's behaviour on the flight. He has firmly rejected the charges.

One of the highlights of his career was his test century, scored just over a year ago against Pakistan at the Wanderers.

There are other memories, naturally, but they need to wait until the tribute to his career is bring written. Perhaps this may not too far off, either.