AB de Villiers has played 114 Test, 228 One Day Internationals (ODI) and 78 T20I matches for South Africa.
In this file photo taken on March 16, 2015 South African captain AB de Villiers bowls during a training session at the Sydney Cricket Ground ahead of the 2015 Cricket World Cup quarter-final match between Sri Lanka and South Africa. (Photo: AFP)
South Africa’s swashbuckler batsman AB de Villiers left the cricket world in shock after he announced his decision to retire from international cricket on Wednesday.
Just a day after he announced his retirement, the 34-year-old cricketer once again took to the micro-blogging site, Twitter, to express his gratitude for the “love and support” from everyone.
“Thank you to everyone — especially the players past and present, MY TEAMMATES and opponents – for their good wishes and understanding. The last few days have been tough and emotional, but I’m taken aback by all the love and support! #proteafire for life,” AB de Villiers tweeted.
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Thank you to everyone – especially the players past and present, MY TEAMMATES and opponents – for their good wishes and understanding. The last few days have been tough and emotional, but I’m taken aback by all the love and support! #proteafire for life
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) May 24, 2018
Earlier on Wednesday, AB announced his decision via a video on his Twitter account. In the video, De Villiers said he was ‘tired’ and believed it was time to step down.
I’ve made a big decision today pic.twitter.com/In0jyquPOK
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) May 23, 2018
“I have decided to retire from all international cricket with immediate effect. It is time for others to take over. I have had my turn and to be honest I am tired. For me, in green and gold, it must be everything or nothing. I will always be grateful to my teammates, the coaches and the staff of Cricket South Africa for their support through all these years. It is not about earning more somewhere else, it is about running out of gas and feeling it is time to move on. Everything comes to an end and to cricket fans in South Africa and around the world, thank you very much for your kindness, generosity and your understanding,” AB said in the video.
Following AB’s announcement many cricket legends, including Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Allan Donald, have sent wishes to the South African cricketer.
AB de Villiers has played 114 Test, 228 One Day Internationals (ODI) and 78 T20I matches for South Africa.
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