The Star South African batting AB de Villiers has given a shock to most of his fans after announcing his decision to take retirement from all forms of international cricket with immediate effect. The 34-year-old batsman suggested that the ‘the time is right’ for him to announce his retirement, bringing a full stop to a sterling 14-year career.
On Wednesday, during his retirement announcement, ABD said, “I have decided to retire from all international cricket with immediate effect. After 114 Test matches, 228 ODI’s and 78 T20 Internationals, it is time for others to take over. I have had my turn, and to be honest, I am tired. 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.”
I’ve made a big decision today pic.twitter.com/In0jyquPOK
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) May 23, 2018
He further elaborated, “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 team mates throughout my career, I wouldn’t be half the player that I am without the support throughout the years.”
WATCH – AB de Villiers grabs an implausible catch
De Villiers clarified that it’s not about earning more money from the T20 league, but it’s about his own will to do so. He said, ” 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.”
He further added, ” 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.”
de Villiers, who debuted for South Africa in December 2004, appeared in 114 Test matches scoring 8765 runs at an average of 50.66. He has 22 centuries and 46 half-centuries to his name in cricket’s longest format.
