CRICKET
In a shocking move, South Africa's swashbuckling batsman AB de Villiers on Wednesday bid adieu to all forms of international cricket with immediate effect, putting an end to his 14-year-long illustrious career.
In a shocking move, South Africa's swashbuckling batsman AB de Villiers on Wednesday bid adieu to all forms of international cricket with immediate effect, putting an end to his 14-year-long illustrious career.
Announcing the news, the 34-year-old posted a video of himself on Twitter and said that he was 'tired' and 'running out of gas'. De Villiers, however, said that it was an extremely tough decision for him to make, and he believes that it is the right time for other talented players to take over.
As tributes poured in, AB De Villers, showing his humility, wrote on Twitter: “Thank you to everyone - especially the players past and present, MY TEAMMATES and opponents - for their good wishes and understanding. The last few days have been tough and emotional, but I’m taken aback by all the love and support! #proteafire for life”
Here is how his former teammates and other international cricketers bid him adieu:
"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," wrote Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar.
ABD's former teammate and captain Jacques Kallis said that it was a pleasure to watch him grow as a batsman.
"Congrats on an awesome career @ABdeVilliers17 Enjoy retirement and the extra time with your family. Was a pleasure watching you as a youngster and then becoming one of the best in the world," Kallis said.
Meanwhile, Kevin Pietersen had a very special message for AB de Villiers, claiming that life only gets better post-retirement.
"Just seen that @ABdeVilliers17 retired. Congrats on an unreal career buddy! Life gets better now with family and friends!," Pietersen who himself retired in March this year, said.
Former South African wicket-keeper Mark Boucher posted an adorable picture of AB de Villiers from his debut, calling him an 'inspiration'.
"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," wrote Mark Boucher.
South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis said that he will miss playing cricket with de Villiers.
"Gonna miss playing with mate . So many great memories of partnerships that we shared on the cricket field. Sad that we won?t bat together again for the green and gold .Gonna miss you. @abdevilliers17," du Plessis wrote on Instagram.
All-rounder Albie Morkel hailed de Villiers' decision and wished him luck for life ahead.
"Takes a gentleman to know when enough is enough. Was an absolute pleasure to follow your career. Now go find something difficult to do! Well done AB! @ABdeVilliers17," Albie Morkel said.
Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson too congratulated the cricketer and said that he deserves all the accolades which have come his way.
"Congrats on an outstanding career. You deserve all the accolades but most importantly, time now to enjoy with your family and friends. Always the toughest to play against," Johnson wrote.
Virender Sehwag, on the other hand, believes that international cricket will be poorer without ABD.
"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," Virender Sehwag said.
AB de Villiers has played 114 Test matches, 228 one-day internationals and 78 Twenty20 matches for the Proteas.?
He holds the record for the fastest one-day century, reaching the three figure mark in just 31 balls against West Indies in January 2015.
He also holds the record for the fastest Test century by a South African, making 100 from 75 balls against India.
Govt takes BIG step amid Israel-Iran conflict, says this on Indian students stranded in Iran
Sonia Gandhi admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi, second hospitalisation this month
July 23 is important day for Narayana Murthy as Infosys set to announce...
UK tourist praises Delhi metro in viral video, compares it to London Underground
US President Donald Trump offers to end Israel-Iran conflict: 'Just like India-Pakistan...'
Ratan Tata's TCS earns Rs 22215 crore in just 5 days despite...; mcap reaches Rs...
King cobras spotted near Mount Everest, here's why it is concerning
Gautam Adani's billions at risk as Iran-Israel war escalates? Group CFO said this
UIDAI extends deadline! Aadhaar holders can now update documents free till...
Delhi-NCR news: After Delhi, Greater Noida to raze over 20 illegal colonies in demolition drive
Khan Sir's BIG statement on India-Pakistan ceasefire, says, 'Bansuri bajane wale Krishna kabhi...'
Days after Ahmedabad plane crash, Air India Express flight delayed at last minute due to THIS reason
TGIKS 3: Salman Khan jokes about divorce, alimony, says 'aadhe paise lekar...'; WATCH viral video
Turkey issues big statement on alleged role in Air India Dreamliner crash: 'Seems to be aimed at...'
Kushal Tandon confirms breakup with Shivangi Joshi, later deletes post: 'It's been 5 months, so..'
SHOCKING: 10-year-old falls off 30 feet after zipline breaks mid-air in Manali, video surfaces
Pune bridge on Indrayani river collapsed, 4 dead, rescue operations underway
Gujarat officials carry out demolition drive at religious site, left shocked to find...
Zomato delivery man becomes emotional, surprised by customers who did..., watch viral video
Air India flight attendant killed in crash was set to get engaged soon: ‘She was very happy’
Buying properties in Delhi is set to become expensive, CM Rekha Gupta takes BIG step
Did you know Neena Gupta was asked to return to her van during Metro In Dino shoot; here's why
Was Pakistan's Army Chief Gen Asim Munir invited to US military parade? White House says...
Shivangi Verma questions Govind Namdev’s allegations amid dating rumours: 'I was shocked when...'
ATTENTION Commuters! Delhi Metro Blue line services delayed on THESE routes
India vs England: Launch of Anderson-Tendulkar trophy postponed due to THIS reason
British F-35 fighter jet makes emergency landing in India's..., due to...
Meet girl, NEET UG topper who scored perfect 720 out of 720, got admission in..., she is...
Rinku Singh gets this special gift from fiancee Priya Saroj, it is worth Rs...
Temba Bavuma aims for this ICC title after clinching Word Test Championship 2025 title
South Africa vs Australia: List of records created in World Test Championship 2025 Final
Anil Ambani hits jackpot, these three Reliance's shares are skyrocketing, their names are....
Kedarnath Helicopter Crash: 7 dead as chopper carrying pilgrims crashes near Gaurikund
Hrithik Roshan, Rakesh Roshan sell their three apartments in Mumbai for Rs...
Kantara actor dies while shooting for Rishab Shetty's film in Bengaluru
Good news for investors, as Anil Ambani's company delivers 133% return in a month, the company is…
Israel completes extensive series of strikes on Iran's nuclear weapons project
Woman in THIS country left shocked after returning home during lunch break at work, finds...
Mouni Roy says 'no man deserves' Disha Patani: 'Many boyfriends...'
Princess Kate pays tribute to Diana with iconic turquoise look at Trooping the Colour
Madhya Pradesh: Four naxalites, including three women, gunned down in Balaghat encounter
Who was Melissa Hortman? US lawmaker, her husband shot dead inside their home in Minnesota