Ab de Villiers calls time on glittering 14-year international career

The South African batsman finished his stellar international career, scoring 8,765 test runs, 9,577 in ODIs and 1,672 runs in T20s.
Ab de Villiers calls time on glittering 14-year international career
Ab de Villiers calls time on glittering 14-year international career
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Talismanic Proteas batsman and arguably the best fielder AB De Villiers announced his retirement from all forms of International cricket on Wednesday.

The announcement came shortly after his stint in the 11th season of IPL also came to an abrupt end, with his team RCB failing to make it to the play-offs.

"I have decided to retire from all international cricket with immediate effect. 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," de Villiers said.

The announcement comes as a surprise since de Villiers was expected to play at least until next year’s 50-over World Cup to be held in England.

Ab de Villiers finished his stellar international career, scoring 8,765 test runs, 9,577 in ODIs and 1,672 runs in T20s.

The former South African captain stated, “This is a tough decision, I have thought long and hard about it and I’d like to retire while still playing decent cricket. After the fantastic series wins against India and Australia, now feels like the right time to step aside.”

“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. I will always be grateful to the coaches and staff of Cricket South Africa for their support through all these years. The most important thank you goes out to all of my teammates throughout my career, I wouldn’t be half the player that I am without the support throughout the years.

“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. Everything comes to an end. To the cricket fans around South Africa and the World, thank you for your kindness and generosity, and today, for your understanding. 

“I have no plans to play overseas, in fact, I hope I can continue to be available for the Titans in domestic cricket. I will continue to be the biggest supporter of Faf du Plessis and the Proteas.” 

The highlight of De Villiers’ career came on January 18, 2015, when he broke the record for the fastest ever ODI hundred. De Villiers scored his century off just 31 balls and went on to finish with an unbeaten 149 from 59 balls.

Following the announcement by De Villiers, 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 with his sheer brilliance, coupled to his ability to innovate and take modern day batting in all three formats but particularly in the white ball ones, to new levels. What is probably more important is the inspiration he has been to his team mates, whether playing at international or domestic level and the wonderful role model he has been to all our aspiring youngsters. It goes without saying that he is going to be greatly missed wherever international cricket is played. We thank him for the contribution he has made to South African cricket and specifically to make the Standard Bank Proteas world leaders, and we wish him and his family everything of the best in his future endeavours.”

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