South African cricket icon AB de Villiers has officially retired from all forms of the game, saying the “flame no longer burns so brightly”.
After retiring from the international level in 2018, de Villiers was unsuccessful in his attempts to return to the Proteas’ side for the 2019 50-over World Cup, but continued to ply his trade in domestic competitions around the world, including a stint with the Brisbane Heat in the BBL.
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However, the 37-year-old has now played his last game, having last appeared in the Indian Premier League in October for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
“It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket,” de Villiers said in a statement on Twitter.
“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.
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“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 retires after a phenomenal career which saw him feature in 114 Tests, 223 ODIs and 89 T20 internationals for South Africa.
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After making his Test debut in 2004, De Villiers was a central part of a South African side which ascended to the top of the world in the longest form of the game.
His 8765 runs at an average of 50.66 ranks him behind only Jacques Kallis, Hashim Amla and Graeme Smith among South Africa’s Test runscorers.
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Despite his Test prowess, De Villiers retires as perhaps the greatest limited overs batter the game has ever seen.
De Villiers’ 9427 runs ranks behind only Kallis on South Africa’s all-time ODI runscorers list, and came at an average of 54.17 and an astounding strike rate of 101.27.
The South African star became one of the first batters to become a true 360-degree hitter and forged a fantastic T20 career, both at the international and domestic level.
De Villiers played 184 IPL matches, scoring 5162 runs at an average of 39.71 and a strike-rate of 151.69.