Former Proteas wicketkeeper-batsman AB de Villiers has announced his retirement from all cricket.
De Villiers made the announcement via Twitter on Friday (19 November), saying his enthusiasm for the game “no longer shines so brightly.”
AB de Villiers retires
“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,” AB de Villiers wrote.
“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.
“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
“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.”
Fastest ODI century
De Villiers is know for his explosive batting, especially in the shorter formats of the game. In 2015, he set the record for the fastest 50 runs and fastest century in one-day internationals (ODIs) in South Africa’s match against the West Indies in Johannesburg.
He was part of the legendary Proteas Test team, led by Graeme Smith, that became the number one Test team in the world. He was later appointed Test captain in 2016.
The massively talented batter hasn’t featured for the Proteas for a while now. There was speculation that he could have been included in South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad earlier this year, but this did not happen.
He has featured strongly in T20 franchise competitions around the world, most notably for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
De Villiers retirement comes just months after another legend, fast bowler Dale Steyn, also retired in August.