Former Proteas batsman and captain AB de Villiers has retired from all cricket with immediate effect.
The 37-year-old made the announcement on social media on Friday.
“It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket,” he wrote.
“Ever since the backyard 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. Whether playing for the Titans, or the Proteas, or RCB [Royal Challengers Bangalore], or around the world, the game has given me unimagined experiences and opportunities, and I will always be grateful.
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“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.”
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De Villiers played 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20Is for South Africa, who he last represented in 2018.
He scored 8,765 Test runs at an average of 50.66, 9,577 ODI runs at an average of 53.50 and a strike rate of 101.09 and 1,672 T20I runs at an average of 26.12 and a strike rate of 135.16.
De Villiers played domestic cricket for the Titans in South Africa and in T20 leagues around the world, including the Big Bash League, the Pakistan Super League, England’s Vitality Blast and the Caribbean Premier League.
In 157 IPL matches for the Royal Challengers Bangalore from 2011 to 2021, De Villiers scored 4,522 runs at a strike rate of 158.33.
