AB de Villiers announces retirement from all cricket
Reuters
Publish : 20 Nov 2021, 01:44 AMUpdate : 27 Dec 2021, 02:26 PM
Former South Africa international AB de Villiers said he has decided to retire from all forms of the game, bringing to an end a 17-year career.
De Villiers had retired from all international formats in May 2018 but was in talks about a return to the limited overs side for the Twenty20 World Cup before deciding against playing for the Proteas again.
The 37-year-old was still involved in franchise cricket, last playing the Indian Premier League for Bangalore.
"It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket," De Villiers said in a statement on Friday.
Ever since the backyard 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.
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.
I would like to thank every teammate, every opponent, every coach, every physio and every staff member who has travelled the same path, and I am humbled by the support I have received in South Africa, in India, wherever I have played.
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.”
An explosive batsman who also kept wickets, De Villiers has often been referred to as "Mr 360" for his wide range of shots which found all corners of the boundary.
De Villiers retires with over 20,000 runs to his name in tests, one-day internationals and T20Is for South Africa.
AB de Villiers announces retirement from all cricket
Former South Africa international AB de Villiers said he has decided to retire from all forms of the game, bringing to an end a 17-year career.
De Villiers had retired from all international formats in May 2018 but was in talks about a return to the limited overs side for the Twenty20 World Cup before deciding against playing for the Proteas again.
The 37-year-old was still involved in franchise cricket, last playing the Indian Premier League for Bangalore.
"It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket," De Villiers said in a statement on Friday.
Ever since the backyard 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.
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.
I would like to thank every teammate, every opponent, every coach, every physio and every staff member who has travelled the same path, and I am humbled by the support I have received in South Africa, in India, wherever I have played.
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.”
An explosive batsman who also kept wickets, De Villiers has often been referred to as "Mr 360" for his wide range of shots which found all corners of the boundary.
De Villiers retires with over 20,000 runs to his name in tests, one-day internationals and T20Is for South Africa.
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