AB de Villiers had not played for South Africa since 2018
(Picture: Getty Images)AB de Villiers, a legend of South African cricket, has retired from the game at the age of 37.
De Villiers last featured for South Africa in 2018 but has continued to play T20 cricket, notably for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL.
De Villiers bows out as a great in all three formats of the game. He averaged 51 across 114 Tests and 54 in ODIs (with a strike-rate of more than 100), while in all T20 cricket he had the remarkable record of averaging 37 while striking at 150.
While he will be best remembered as a creative, classy batter, he was also a solid wicketkeeper and smart captain.
“It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket,” De Villiers tweeted.
It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket.
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 19, 2021
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
“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.
“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.”
