Cricket
The news has sent shock waves across the cricketing world, with fans all over the globe expressing their sorrow at bidding goodbye to one of the game's greatest.
Updated : May 26, 2018, 03:44 PM IST
AB de Villiers announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket on Wednesday. The South African put out a statement on his official social media accounts. The news sent shock waves across the cricketing world, with fans all over the globe expressing their sorrow at bidding goodbye to one of the game's greatest. Ab de Villiers was last seen playing competitive cricket for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2018 Indian Premier League.
In his statement, the 34-year-old said, "I have decided to retire from all international cricket with immediate effect,” he said on Wednesday. “After 114 Test matches, 228 ODI’s 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."
AB De Villiers did what he always does. He has left everyone gasping.
— SAGAR (@sagarcasm) May 23, 2018
The legend AB de Villiers bows out of International cricket! It was a pleasure having this legend at CPL. What a player!! What a legacy!! #Cricketplayedlouder #ThankyouAB #Legend #Retirement pic.twitter.com/oMx4Q7RYyf
— CPL T20 (@CPL) May 23, 2018
No overseas cricketer would be cheered for as hard as AB de Villiers was in India! We love you man! #ABRetires
— Manya (@CSKian716) May 23, 2018
Admit it, South African or not, We all wanted him to lift the world cup trophy atleast once for his country. AB de Villiers you will be missed.
— Barney Stinson (@BarneyStinsonYo) May 23, 2018
"It's in the air, AB de Villiers takes the catch! South Africa win their first ever World Cup"
— Static_357 (@Static_a357) May 23, 2018
Will remain a dream...As desperate as he was for that moment, he's called it a day.
Once in a generation player! Massive respect.#ThankYouAB
The biggest entertainer in the last decade has bid goodbye to International cricket...your absence will be felt, AB. Cricket will be poorer. Wish you all the best for your future endeavours. Go well @ABdeVilliers17
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) May 23, 2018
In my opinion, @ABdeVilliers17 was world's best batsman across formats in past 7-8 years. Wish he had played more Tests! #deVilliersRetires
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) May 23, 2018
De Villiers said in his statement on Wednesday: "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.
I’ve made a big decision today pic.twitter.com/In0jyquPOK
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) May 23, 2018
“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.”