South Africa’s AB de Villiers watches another Indian boundary during the ICC Champions Trophy match between South Africa and India at The Oval in London. – South African AB de Villiers retired from all forms of cricket on November 19, 2021, saying that the “flame no longer burns so brightly”. The veteran batsman, who stopped playing internationals in 2018, tweeted: “It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket. (Photo: AFP)
Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers, on his Twitter handle, announced his retirement from all formats of cricket, saying: “Now, at the age of 37, that flame no longer burns so brightly.”
“It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket. ”
Ever since the backyard matches with my older brothers, I have played the game with pure enjoyment and unbridled enthusiasm,” he added.
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.
AdvertisementCricket has been exceptionally kind to me.
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 19, 2021
“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.”
Since his debut in international cricket in 2004, AB de Villiers has represented South Africa in 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20Is. He has amassed a total of 20,014 runs, averaging more than 50 in both Tests and ODIs. He bid farewell to the international career in 2018.
This also brings an end to the career he had with the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he played for 10 seasons since 2011, scoring 4,491 runs in 156 matches.
“I have had a long and fruitful time playing for RCB. Eleven years have just whizzed by and leaving the boys is extremely bittersweet. Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time, but after a lot of contemplation, I’ve decided to hang up my boots and spend quality time with my family,” said De Villiers in a statement.
“I’m going to be an RCBian for life. Every single person in the RCB set-up has become family to me. People come & go, but the spirit & the love we have for each other at RCB will always remain. I’ve become half Indian now & I’m proud of that.” – @ABdeVilliers17 #ThankYouAB pic.twitter.com/5b6RUYfjDY
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) November 19, 2021
“I would like to thank the RCB management, my friend Virat Kohli, teammates, coaches, support staff, fans, and the entire RCB family for showing faith and supporting me all through these years. It has been a memorable journey with RCB. Have so many memories on the personal front to cherish for a lifetime. RCB will always be very close to me and my family and will continue to support this amazing team. I am an RCBian forever.”
Announcement 🔊 @ABdeVilliers17 retires from all cricket
End of an era! 😔 There’s nobody like you, AB. We’ll miss you dearly at RCB. ❤️ For all that you’ve done and given to the team, to the fans, and to cricket lovers in general, #ThankYouAB 🙏🏼 Happy retirement, legend! pic.twitter.com/JivSPTVn88
Advertisement— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) November 19, 2021
Definitely a kind of relief for myself and all the bowlers . Thank you soo much for the great memories and inspiring soo many of youngsters including me . We will definitely Miss you Mr 360 @abdevilliers17 ❤️❤️🙌🏻🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/yAi23Cv8gw
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) November 19, 2021
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