AB de Villiers has always occupied a rare space in the cricketing universe. Revered across generations, admired by fans of rival teams, and respected by peers, the South African great earned the nickname “Mr. 360” for his ability to dismantle bowling attacks with strokes played to every corner of the ground. His legacy has largely been defined by breathtaking performances, innovation, and an image built on humility and sportsmanship.
However, during the ongoing SA20 league, AB de Villiers unexpectedly found himself at the centre of an off-field moment that quickly went viral. While watching the clash between Pretoria Capitals and MI Cape Town at the stadium, cameras briefly captured the former Proteas captain vaping in the stands alongside his wife. The clip, aired during the live broadcast, spread rapidly across social media and left fans stunned.
The moment unfolded in the eighth over when the broadcast panned towards the crowd. De Villiers was seen exhaling smoke and instinctively reaching for another puff before realising he was on camera. His startled reaction, visible discomfort, and quick attempt to move away only amplified the moment, triggering widespread discussion among fans and cricket followers.
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For a player who has long symbolised professionalism and clean conduct, the sight came as a shock to many. AB de Villiers has been one of those rare cricketers who managed to maintain universal admiration throughout his career, transcending formats, franchises, and national boundaries.
From unforgettable Test innings to jaw-dropping T20 knocks, his journey has been marked by excellence and grace, making this incident all the more surprising. That said, cricket has witnessed similar moments involving legendary names in the past. MS Dhoni, often hailed as “Captain Cool,” once sparked debate after being seen smoking hookah at an event in Dubai.
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Former New Zealand captain and current England coach Brendon McCullum was also caught smoking during a high-pressure match situation in 2015. Such instances remind fans that even the most admired sporting icons are human, prone to moments that break carefully crafted public perceptions.
While the vaping clip dominated online chatter, the match itself offered plenty of on-field action. Pretoria Capitals, batting first, recovered strongly after early setbacks. Dewald Brevis provided crucial momentum with a fiery 19-ball 34, while Sherfane Rutherford anchored the innings with a blistering 53 off just 27 deliveries. Their efforts propelled the Capitals to a competitive total of 185.
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The bowlers then took centre stage, with Gideon Peters leading the charge by claiming three wickets for 32 runs. Supported well by the rest of the attack, Pretoria Capitals restricted MI Cape Town to 132, sealing a commanding 53-run victory.
While the result showcased Pretoria’s dominance, it was AB de Villiers’ unexpected viral moment that ensured this SA20 clash will be remembered long after the final ball.
