Cricket: SA’s AB De Villiers announces retirement
New Delhi: Former South African cricket team captain AB de Villiers on Friday announced retirement from all forms of the game with immediate effect, shocking and disappointing fans.
The 37-year-old’s career spanned over 18 years.
The batsman took to social media to announce the news. He shared a monochromatic photograph with a tweet. “It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket. Ever since the backyard matches with my older brothers, I have played the game with pure enjoyment and unbridled enthusiasm. Now, at 37, that flame no longer burns so brightly.”
Regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, AB de Villiers holds a record for the fastest 50, 100, and 150 runs in ODI cricket.
About his journey, he said, “That’s the reality I must accept – and, even if it may seem sudden, that is why I am making this announcement today. I’ve had my time. Cricket has been exceptionally kind to me. Whether playing for the Titans, or the Proteas, or RCB, or around the world, the game has given me unimagined experiences and opportunities, and I will always be grateful.”
De Villiers debuted in international cricket in 2004 to represent South Africa in 114 Tests, 228 ODIs, and 78 T20s. He achieved 20,014 runs before retiring from international cricket in 2018. But he continued performing under Royal Challengers Bangalore for the Indian Premier League (IPL).
He played 184 IPL matches with 3 centuries and 5,162 runs at an average rate of 39.1 until 2021.
(Avya Mathur)
