South African star AB de Villiers has shocked the cricket world by announcing his retirement from all forms of the international game.
After making his Test debut for South Africa against England in 2004, De Villiers went on to play in 114 Tests, scoring 8,765 Test runs and 22 centuries. He also played in 228 one-day internationals for the Proteas and in 78 Twenty20 matches.
The 34-year-old posted a video on Twitter today saying that, although it was a “tough decision”, it was “time for others to take over”.
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He said: “I’ve had my turn and, to be honest, I’m tired. This is a tough decision. I’ve thought long and hard about it and I’d like to retire still playing decent cricket.
“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 green and gold, it must be everything or nothing.
“I will continue to be the biggest supporter of Faf du Plessis and the Proteas.”
Speaking to the BBC, Cricket South Africa president Chris Nenzani said: “AB is one of the all-time greats of South African cricket who has thrilled spectators around the world. It goes without saying that he is going to be greatly missed wherever international cricket is played.”
Former South Africa bowler Morne Morkel agreed that De Villiers will be missed and said it’s a “sad day for cricket”. Morkel told Sky Sports: “It is a big shock with the 2019 World Cup around the corner. AB has played cricket for 14 years now and played every single format. After a while, I think all the pressure and all the demands get to you and at the end of the day he is human.
“He has been a great ambassador for South African cricket and he has now decided he is looking forward to a new chapter. It’s a sad day for cricket. He is loved all across the world, especially back home, and we are going to miss him dearly.”
De Villiers, who played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League, also confirmed he has “no plans to play overseas” but will continue to be available for the Titans in South African domestic cricket.
Cricket world’s praise for a legend
How cricket fans reacted on Twitter to De Villiers’ retirement from international cricket:
“What an inspiration”.
He played cricket “exactly as it should be played”.
“Please let this be a rumour”.
“The best all format batsman of his generation”.
“Privileged” to have watched him in action.
A shock announcement.
“Cricket will miss you”.
“The man who did almost everything”.
