South Africa star batsman AB de Villiers announced his retirement on Wednesday from international cricket with immediate effect.
The 34-year-old’s shocking decision to hang up his boots comes just four days after he completed another Indian Premier League (IPL) season with the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
“I have decided to retire from all international cricket with immediate effect,” De Villiers was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. “After 114 Test matches, 228 ODIs and 78 T20 Internationals, it is time for others to take over. I have had my turn, and to be honest, I am tired.
“This is a tough decision, I have thought long and hard about it and I’d like to retire while still playing decent cricket. After the fantastic series wins against India and Australia, now feels like the right time to step aside.
“It would not be right for me to pick and choose where, when and in what format I play for the Proteas. For me, in the green and gold, it must be everything or nothing. I will always be grateful to the coaches and staff of Cricket South Africa for their support through all these years. The most important thank you goes out to all of my team-mates throughout my career, I wouldn’t be half the player that I am without the support throughout the years.
“It’s not about earning more somewhere else, it’s about running out of gas and feeling that it is the right time to move on. Everything comes to an end. To the cricket fans around South Africa and the world, thank you for your kindness and generosity, and today, for your understanding.
“I have no plans to play overseas, in fact, I hope I can continue to be available for the Titans in domestic cricket. I will continue to be the biggest supporter of Faf du Plessis and the Proteas.”
De Villiers has played 114 Tests, 228 One-Day Internationals and 78 T20 Internationals for his country.
The 34-year-old’s shocking decision to hang up his boots comes just four days after he completed another Indian Premier League (IPL) season with the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
“I have decided to retire from all international cricket with immediate effect,” De Villiers was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. “After 114 Test matches, 228 ODIs and 78 T20 Internationals, it is time for others to take over. I have had my turn, and to be honest, I am tired.
“This is a tough decision, I have thought long and hard about it and I’d like to retire while still playing decent cricket. After the fantastic series wins against India and Australia, now feels like the right time to step aside.
“It would not be right for me to pick and choose where, when and in what format I play for the Proteas. For me, in the green and gold, it must be everything or nothing. I will always be grateful to the coaches and staff of Cricket South Africa for their support through all these years. The most important thank you goes out to all of my team-mates throughout my career, I wouldn’t be half the player that I am without the support throughout the years.
“It’s not about earning more somewhere else, it’s about running out of gas and feeling that it is the right time to move on. Everything comes to an end. To the cricket fans around South Africa and the world, thank you for your kindness and generosity, and today, for your understanding.
“I have no plans to play overseas, in fact, I hope I can continue to be available for the Titans in domestic cricket. I will continue to be the biggest supporter of Faf du Plessis and the Proteas.”
De Villiers has played 114 Tests, 228 One-Day Internationals and 78 T20 Internationals for his country.
Like your on-field game, may you have 360-degree success off the field as well. You will definitely be missed, @ABdeVilliers17. My best wishes to you! pic.twitter.com/LWHJWNXcVG— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) May 23, 2018
A great of the game who entertained all throughout his career congrats @ABdeVilliers17. Wonderful person as well to cap it off. https://t.co/PpKT7iptoh— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) May 23, 2018
I remember this young guy on his 1st day out for Proteas... What an inspiration, person and player he turned out to be. Thank you for everything you have done and been for your country, teammates and fans @ABdeVilliers17 #legend pic.twitter.com/8gQBDWbAp7— mark boucher (@markb46) May 23, 2018
One of the best! Wish you all the best AB?? amazing player but above all that great guy... ?? https://t.co/njEZLnuPit— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) May 23, 2018
Not only one of the best ever cricketers to grace this earth but also a beautiful human being!!! Congrats on an awesome Int career @ABdeVilliers17 domestic cricketers ?? themselves with the thought of him playing more games for @Titans_Cricket ??— Henry Davids (@HenryDavids19) May 23, 2018
Thank you @ABdeVilliers17 ???? my mind will miss being blown away. Honored to have shared a dressing room with you.— IG: Beuran_H13 (@Beuran_H13) May 23, 2018
What a great career. Best I have ever seen. Was great to be apart of it. @ABdeVilliers17 nou gaan ons braai. https://t.co/J5kvOinjxr— paul harris (@paulharris12) May 23, 2018
Go Well Abbas @ABdeVilliers17 ?? https://t.co/e3YJG5r7F2— Cameron Delport (@Cam12Delport) May 23, 2018
The man who showed the world that batting 360° is an easy task. All the best for your future endeavours @ABdeVilliers17, thank you for all the unforgettable memories! pic.twitter.com/9r4AAQDKfj— R P Singh (@rpsingh) May 23, 2018
Absolute stunning international career @ABdeVilliers17!Top bloke and very down 2 earth! A great ambassador for the game and role model 2 so many!will miss watching you play in the green and gold!all the best for the future my friend and thanks for the memories!#prinsvanpretoria pic.twitter.com/A1Zv49J5fN— Roelof van der Merwe (@Roela52) May 23, 2018
So shocked to here @ABdeVilliers17 has decided to call time on his international career. But that’s just life and he feels it’s time to move on. Thank you great man for your amazing Match winning Performances, Skill Captaincy and most of all your Humility. ??????— Allan Donald (@AllanDonald33) May 23, 2018
Such a shame for international cricket @ABdeVilliers17 ... But he has been an unbelievable advert to how I would have loved to have played all 3 formats .. GREAT GREAT Player ... Top 3 that I have ever seen .. #AB— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) May 23, 2018
Baie Dankie @ABdeVilliers17 #legendofthegame— Barney Girnun (@barneygirnun) May 23, 2018
Must admit to being a bit shocked by @ABdeVilliers17 decision to quit all international cricket. We knew it was coming but I thought he would give the World Cup another shot.— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 23, 2018
Sad day for @OfficialCSA and cricket in general, he will be missed!! ?????? #ABD https://t.co/gKKtq4HAYp— Marizanne Kapp (@kappie777) May 23, 2018
— Sam Billings (@sambillings) May 23, 2018
Everyone knows when their time has arrived,abbas is no different. Congrats on a wonderful career @ABdeVilliers17 ??— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) May 23, 2018
Gutted. A legend of the game. Thank you @ABdeVilliers17 https://t.co/XW6jFurs80— Dane van Niekerk (@danevn81) May 23, 2018
Congratulations @ABdeVilliers17 , the most loved cricketer in the world, on a wonderful career. International cricket will be poorer without you, but you will continue to be celebrated by cricket fans around the world pic.twitter.com/uA7CBlYE9F— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) May 23, 2018
