Johannesburg: In a shocking move, South Africa’s AB de Villiers called it quits from international cricket with immediate effect. The 34-year old bid goodbye to his 14-year illustrious career through a video posted on Twitter.
“I have decided to retire from all forms of international cricket with immediate effect. After 114 Test matches, 228 ODI’s and 78 T20 Internationals, it is time for others to take over. I have had my turn, and to be honest, I am tired,” De Villiers said.
De Villiers said he felt it was the right time to retire after series wins against India and Australia.
“This is a tough decision. I have thought long and hard about it and I would like to retire while still playing decent cricket. After the fantastic series wins against India and Australia, now feels like the right time to step aside,” he said.
“It would not be right for me to pick and choose where, when and in what format I play for the Proteas. For me, in the green and gold, it must be everything or nothing. I will always be grateful to the coaches and staff of Cricket South Africa for their support through all these years. The most important thank you goes out to all of my team mates throughout my career, I wouldn’t be half the player that I am without the support throughout the years.”
A part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore, De Villiers, confirmed he will not play overseas matches but is hopeful of playing domestic cricket.
“It’s not about earning more somewhere else, it’s about running out of gas and feeling that it is the right time to move on. Everything comes to an end. To the cricket fans around South Africa and the World, thank you for your kindness and generosity, and today, for your understanding. I have no plans to play overseas, in fact, I hope I can continue to be available for the Titans in domestic cricket. I will continue to be the biggest supporter of Faf du Plessis and the Proteas,” he said in the video.
The batsman has played 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20I for the national side. He has 20,014 international runs, including 8,765 in Tests, 9,577 in ODIs and 1,672 in T20Is.
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