AB de Villiers hangs his boots from all forms of the game
AB de Villiers (Photo by Shaun Roy/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
South Africa’s legendary cricketer AB de Villiers has decided to retire from all forms of the game. He took to his official Twitter handle to convey his decision to his fans and followers. This means his 10-year association with the Bangalore franchise in the Indian T20 League also ends. He featured in 156 matches of the tournament in these 10 years for the franchise amassing 4491 runs and playing some of the memorable knocks in the history.
As far as the league is concerned, De Villiers ended as the sixth highest run-getter with 5162 runs in 184 matches at a strike-rate of more than 150. He also smashed three centuries with 133* being the best score against Mumbai back in 2015. In his overall T20 career, the 37-year-old smashed 9424 runs in a whopping 340 matches at a strike-rate of 150.13 with four tons and as many as 69 fifties.
In his tweet while announcing his retirement decision, AB de Villiers stated that the flame isn’t burning brightly anymore. He thanked all the teams he played for in his T20 career along with players, coaches. He also admitted to being overwhelmed for the support he got throughout his career while playing especially in South Africa and India.
“It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket. Ever since the back yard matches with my older brothers, I have played the game with pure enjoyment and unbridled enthusiasm. Now, at the age of 37, that flame no longer burns so brightly. That’s the reality I must accept – and, even if it may seem sudden, that is why I am making this announcement today. I’ve had my time. Cricket has been exceptionally kind to me.
“Cricket has been exceptionally kind to me. Whether playing for the Titans, or the Proteas, or RCB, or around the world, the game has given me unimagined experiences and opportunities, and I will always be grateful. I would like to thank every teammate, every opponent, every coach, every physio and every staff member who has travelled the same path, and I am humbled by the support I have received in South Africa, in India, wherever I have played.
“Last, I am aware that nothing would have been possible without the sacrifices made by my family – my parents, my brothers, my wife Danielle and my children. I look forward to the next chapter of our lives when I can truly put them first,” De Villiers wrote in a series of tweets.
