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South Africa's star batsman AB de Villiers on Wednesday announced his surprise retirement from all international cricket after a glittering 14-year career playing for the Proteas.
“I have decided to retire from all international cricket with immediate effect,” he said in a statement.
“After 114 Test matches, 228 ODIs and 78 T20 Internationals, it is time for others to take over. I have had my turn, and to be honest, I am tired.” The 34-year-old said it had taken him a long time to make the “tough” decision and that he decided to quit while still playing “decent cricket”.
I’ve made a big decision today pic.twitter.com/In0jyquPOK
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) May 23, 2018
“After the fantastic series wins against India and Australia, now feels like the right time to step aside,” he said.
“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.”
He added he had no plans to play overseas but would continue in league competitions, saying: “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.”
De Villiers retires with a Test average of 50.66 and as the fourth-highest run-scorer for South Africa with 8,765 runs including 22 centuries.
In ODIs overs, he finished as the number two ranked batsman in the world and as the second highest run-scorer behind Jacques Kallis with 9,577 runs at an average of 53.50.
'Thank you for all the memories'
Praise for the South African batsman came from across the cricketing world as news of his retirement spread.
“AB is one of the all-time greats of South African cricket who has thrilled spectators around the world with his sheer brilliance, coupled to his ability to innovate and take modern day batting... to new levels,” said Cricket South Africa President Chris Nenzani.
"Thank you for all the memories," the International Cricket Council (ICC) tweeted, along with a number of other tweets and videos of his innings.
Thank you for all the memories @ABDevilliers17 🙌#ABRetires pic.twitter.com/k1z07madj1
— ICC (@ICC) May 23, 2018
"Like your on-field game, may you have 360-degree success off the field as well. You will definitely be missed," Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar said in his message.
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! pic.twitter.com/LWHJWNXcVG
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) May 23, 2018
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) congratulated De Villiers for "a truly fantastic international career".
Congratulations on a truly fantastic international career @ABdeVilliers17. An inspiration for cricketers from around the world. Go well! https://t.co/S33vhtsRTo
— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) May 23, 2018
There were also other messages of praise for the versatile batsman by cricketers, analysts and fans.
There are very few batsmen with superior records to AB de Villiers & there are even fewer who have displayed greater talent. He could play seam, swing, spin & score 360°. This is the man who scored 149 off 44 balls in an ODI & 43 off 297 balls in a Test match. A giant & a genius.
— Freddie Wilde (@fwildecricket) May 23, 2018
So shocked to here @ABdeVilliers17 has decided to call time on his international career. But that’s just life and he feels it’s time to move on. Thank you great man for your amazing Match winning Performances, Skill Captaincy and most of all your Humility. 👏👏👏
— Allan Donald (@AllanDonald33) May 23, 2018
Champion batsman
Champion batsman! I always enjoyed seeing you bat, the innovations that you brought to the game were a joy to watch esp the sweep shot off fast bowlers. Always respected your enormous talent, a true great of cricket. Stay Blessed. https://t.co/topeiKuLif
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) May 23, 2018
One of the best
One of the best! Wish you all the best AB👍 amazing player but above all that great guy... 👍 https://t.co/njEZLnuPit
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) May 23, 2018
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 pic.twitter.com/8gQBDWbAp7
— mark boucher (@markb46) May 23, 2018
Pure genius
One of the finest of this era @ABdeVilliers17 !! Pure genius!! Thank you for the entertainment and the pleasure. International cricket will miss you!
— Bazid Khan (@bazidkhan81) May 23, 2018
