The cricket lovers from all over the world are a little disappointed after the former South African cricketer AB de Villiers announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Earlier in 2018, ABD announced his retirement from the international cricket but later it was heard that he may make a comeback in the South African cricket team for playing the 2020 T20 World Cup; however unfortunately for the ardent fans, it didn’t happen. Though AB de Villiers was playing in the franchise cricket till now, from now onwards even that will stop and we will certainly miss watching him.
AB de Villiers made an announcement regarding his retirement through social media networks. He took to his official Twitter handle and wrote, “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/W1Z41wFeli
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 19, 2021
He further talked about it in a series of tweets:
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.
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 19, 2021
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.
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 19, 2021
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.
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 19, 2021
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
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 19, 2021
In his 15 years of cricketing career, ABD gave many memorable moments to his countrymen to cherish but he will always miss holding an ICC trophy and the same thing happened in the IPL as well as he played for the longest time for Royal Challengers Bangalore but his team hasn’t won an IPL title even once till now.
AB de Villiers was known for his ability of playing unorthodox shots all over the ground especially behind the wicket and this made him earn the title of Mr. 360. Not just this, he was also referred to as Superman because of his acrobatic fielding style.
As ABD announced his retirement, many people from the cricket fraternity and fans from all over the world started wishing him luck for his second innings and soon Twitter was flooded with reactions from all over the world.
Here are some tweets from the cricket world:
This hurts my heart but I know you've made the best decision for yourself and your family like you've always done. 💔I love you 💔 @ABdeVilliers17
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) November 19, 2021
Not many people have had the impact on the game like AB did. It was indeed a pleasure to watch him play from the other side. Happy retirement AB, best wishes to and your family @ABdeVilliers17
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) November 20, 2021
All the best champion in your second innings. We thoroughly enjoyed your batting exploits over the years sometimes at the receiving end but what a career! Truly inspirational and path breaking. Happy retirement #legend !
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) November 19, 2021
Looked up to in my early cricket days and it’s been an honour to play against you 😊 Good luck @ABdeVilliers17 and thank you for everything you’ve done for cricket 👏 https://t.co/iLqqdqy6ax
— Shreyas Iyer (@ShreyasIyer15) November 19, 2021
Congratulations @ABdeVilliers17 on an outstanding career and thank you for showing how to evolve and add new dimensions to one’s skill set! I believe someone who can come close to you in the years to come will be @surya_14kumar, the onus is on you fella 👍
— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) November 19, 2021
Congratulations on a phenomenal career @ABdeVilliers17 👏🏼 One of the most loved and admired cricketers of the modern era. Happy retirement legend. #ThankYouAB pic.twitter.com/1CNOiVfHte
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) November 19, 2021
Captains across the world relax! The man for whom you couldn't set the field has retired. Ab de Villiers invented new strokes, found gaps that no one knew even existed and was one of cricket's great entertainer. @ABdeVilliers17
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) November 19, 2021
Thank you #ABDevilliers for leaving behind such great memories in cricket. Your journey has been amazing & I wish you all the best for the future! 🙌 https://t.co/MQ3BoFqb0Y
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) November 19, 2021
A modern day legend! Good luck for your second innings, @ABdeVilliers17 😊
— Jasprit Bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) November 19, 2021
Learnt so much watching & playing alongside you. Happy retirement legend! The game will miss you Mr 360 🤗 @ABdeVilliers17 pic.twitter.com/oDBDyQ7W6M
— Washington Sundar (@Sundarwashi5) November 19, 2021
Your contribution to cricket has been immense @ABdeVilliers17 🙌 A true legend of this beautiful game and a wonderful athlete. Good luck for whatever the future has in store for you 😊 https://t.co/Yh4huPUH7n
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) November 19, 2021
Announcement 🔊 @ABdeVilliers17 retires from all cricket
End of an era! 😔 There’s nobody like you, AB. We’ll miss you dearly at RCB. ❤️ For all that you’ve done and given to the team, to the fans, and to cricket lovers in general, #ThankYouAB 🙏🏼 Happy retirement, legend! pic.twitter.com/JivSPTVn88
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) November 19, 2021
There is no doubt in my mind that @ABdeVilliers17 has been one of the most influential players of his generation. A genius, a true successor to Lara. Wish you well AB. I am sure your countless fans at @RCBTweets will want to give you a befitting send-off. You were a great combo.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 19, 2021
Well done @ABdeVilliers17 on a special career. I've been extremely lucky to be on the same cricket field as you. The game will not be the same without you. The greatest player I have played with.🐐 https://t.co/N3BJ3Jxw6Q
— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) November 19, 2021
Happy Retirement, @abdevilliers17 – All the best in your next chapter, it was a pleasure sharing a dressing room with you! #Legend 🙏🏿✊🏿 https://t.co/392KzB65cx
— Chris Gayle (@henrygayle) November 19, 2021
The biggest congratulations to @ABdeVilliers17 on a mind-blowing cricket career. The things you did on the cricket field, us mere mortals could only watch on in awe.
And to go with it, the sweetest and kindest teammate I have ever played with.
Enjoy the next exciting phase.— Shane Watson (@ShaneRWatson33) November 19, 2021
What a player and what a man. Absolute genius and an even better human. Thanks for what you did for the game! https://t.co/Sg07rYMvaH
— Jason Roy (@JasonRoy20) November 19, 2021
The best I’ve ever seen, and someone who I’ve always looked up to! Took the game to another level singlehandedly #mr360
Thankyou 🙌🏼👏🏼 @ABdeVilliers17 https://t.co/lzEQ3MYP13
— Sam Billings (@sambillings) November 19, 2021
It's been a legendary journey gentleman. Here's to the best days ahead of us.. congrats on a sterling career @ABdeVilliers17 just a chilled day in the Caribbean sitting between 2 GOATS 🐐 of the game.. privileged to have shared the field with them🙏 @DaleSteyn62 pic.twitter.com/HKfUfztj4b
— JP Duminy (@jpduminy21) November 19, 2021
Congrats AB , enjoy the next phase with the family . @HeatBBL @ABdeVilliers17 . Great memories.👍 https://t.co/IrToO7Neub
— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) November 19, 2021
One of the best to ever step on a cricket field. Thank you for all the memories! 🐐 #MR360 https://t.co/kJM167HXsh
— Shai Hope (@shaidhope) November 19, 2021
Happy retirement @ABdeVilliers17 🤗
Unarguably one of the best the game has ever seen !!! 🐐 https://t.co/Z2B5e58vkU— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9) November 19, 2021
Absolutely loved watching @ABdeVilliers17 play the game .. You could argue across all formats that he was as good on the eye of anyone who has played the game .. #ABDevilliers #Legend
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 19, 2021
@ABdeVilliers17 what a player . A TALENT only of its kind. All da best in future.
— Salman Butt (@im_SalmanButt) November 19, 2021
@ABdeVilliers17 Thank you legend for entertaining cricketing world…All the very best for future👍🏼👍🏼
— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) November 19, 2021
You were my childhood inspiration and I always tried to learn from your charismatic approach. I still remember the first time I met you and how welcoming you were. You have inspired many generations of cricket. Wish you the very best and a happy retirement, @ABdeVilliers17! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/nlqsyW8iSI
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) November 19, 2021
Definitely a kind of relief for myself and all the bowlers . Thank you soo much for the great memories and inspiring soo many of youngsters including me . We will definitely Miss you Mr 360 @abdevilliers17 ❤️❤️🙌🏻🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/yAi23Cv8gw
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) November 19, 2021
Though ABD was a wicketkeeper-batsman, he mostly played as a batsman only and represented South Africa in 114 test matches, 228 ODIs and 78 T20Is in which he scored 8765, 9577 and 1672 runs, respectively. He scored 22 centuries in test matches and 25 centuries in ODIs and as far as fifties are concerned, there are 46 fifties in test matches, 53 fifties in ODIs and 10 half-centuries in T20Is in his name.
AB de Villiers is certainly one of the greatest of all times whom we have seen playing and he is an inspiration for many aspiring young cricketers.
We wish ABD luck for his second innings!