Cricket South Africa have announced the decision to withdraw Proteas batsman AB de Villiers from all competitive cricket for the next four to six weeks including his participation for the Delhi Daredevils in the Champions League Twenty20 tournament in India.

The decision was made after consultation with, and advice received from, CSA's medical committee.

"AB de Villiers developed left lumbar pain four weeks ago during preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy tournament," said Shuaib Manjra, chairman of CSA's medical committee.

"Despite extensive physiotherapy combined with anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication, his symptoms persisted and an MRI scan was done.

"He has severe left lumbar spasm and without medication was unable to move freely during the Champions Trophy tournament.

"We have thus decided to withdraw AB from all cricketing activities for the next four to six weeks in order to allow for proper management of his condition and prevent further injury."

As is the case with Graeme Smith, De Villiers is expected to return to active participation when the MTN Domestic Championship kicks off on 28 October.

"I am obviously disappointed to miss the Champions League," De Villiers said, "and I wish the Daredevils all the best for the tournament."