South African legend AB de Villiers made a huge announcement on his cricket career on Friday (November 19). when he, in a series of tweets, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
Having made his international debut in 2004, AB de Villiers represented South Africa in 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20Is. Across formats, he amassed 20014 runs, averaging more than 50 in both Tests and ODIs. He retired from international cricket in May 2018.
AB De Villiers, who quit international cricket in 2018, Earlier this year, AB had also expressed his desire to play in the T20 World Cup, which was supposed to be held in India but later moved to the UAE and Oman. “If there’s no space for me, so be it. If I can slot in there, it will be fantastic if all those things fall in place,” he had said. But his international comeback did not happen.
Apart from his international T20 appearances and playing for RCB and Delhi in the IPL, AB De Villiers has also represented Barbados Tridents, Brisbane Heat, Lahore Qalandars, Middlesex, Rangpur Riders, South Africans, Titans and Tshwane Spartans in T20 cricket. He has ended his T20 career with a total of 9424 runs in 340 matches, with 59 fifties and 4 hundreds. De Villiers’s first-class career lasted for 141 matches in which he scored 10689 runs while he amassed 11123 runs in 263 List A games.
“I have had a long and fruitful time playing for RCB. Eleven years have just whizzed by and leaving the boys is extremely bittersweet. Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time, but after a lot of contemplation, I’ve decided to hang up my boots and spend quality time with my family,” said De Villiers in a statement.
It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket.
Ever since the back yard matches with my older brothers, I have played the game with pure enjoyment and unbridled enthusiasm. Now, at the age of 37, that flame no longer burns so brightly. pic.twitter.com/W1Z41wFeli
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 19, 2021
Last, I am aware that nothing would have been possible without the sacrifices made by my family – my parents, my brothers, my wife Danielle and my children. I look forward to the next chapter of our lives when I can truly put them first.
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 19, 2021
More reactions:
Legend .. Happy Retirement from playing AB .. 👍 https://t.co/oGlO4wR3ux
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 19, 2021
There is no doubt in my mind that @ABdeVilliers17 has been one of the most influential players of his generation. A genius, a true successor to Lara. Wish you well AB. I am sure your countless fans at @RCBTweets will want to give you a befitting send-off. You were a great combo.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 19, 2021
This hurts my heart but I know you've made the best decision for yourself and your family like you've always done. 💔I love you 💔 @ABdeVilliers17
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) November 19, 2021