South Africa’s star batsman AB de Villiers on Wednesday announced he was retiring from all international cricket after a 14-year career.
“I have decided to retire from all international cricket with immediate effect,” he said in a statement.
“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.”
Fans and cricketers, quite expectedly, were left in shock after ABD’s sudden retirement.
Here’s how they reacted on Twitter:
“Cricket is a very simple game KL. The more u keep it that way the more the game will give you back.”
This Is the advice this great man gave me when I was 21. You will always be my Favourite Cricketer @ABdeVilliers17 🙏🏽😊 #ThankYouABD pic.twitter.com/ceGpu5uw8j— K L Rahul (@klrahul) May 23, 2018
The world of cricket will definitely miss you, @ABdeVilliers17! Loads and loads of love from all of us in India. Enjoy your second innings. #TopMan #Mr360 #Superman
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) May 23, 2018
Best wishes AB post retirement, hope life is as exciting as your game. Regards to the family @ABdeVilliers17
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) May 23, 2018
Must admit to being a bit shocked by @ABdeVilliers17 decision to quit all international cricket. We knew it was coming but I thought he would give the World Cup another shot.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 23, 2018
The way he was thrashing the ball during IPL showed what perfect form he was in🔥
Cricket’s gonna miss a player like this. Future mein India ke coach bann jaana please 💕☺️#ByeABD @ABdeVilliers17— Bhuvan Bam (@Bhuvan_Bam) May 23, 2018
Toughest decision for any sportsperson is when to stop. While all of us were surprised by @ABdeVilliers17, we must respect his decision. He leaves an ever lasting impact on the game. A true champion, Mr 360! #ThankYouAB pic.twitter.com/yc4U7aldXm
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) May 23, 2018
AB de Villiers destroyed Aust earlier this year and at times played as well as I've ever seen any batsman do so. The fact he's retiring without taking a crack at the 2019 World Cup is disappointing
— Daniel Brettig 🏏 (@danbrettig) May 23, 2018
For the man who could do, just about everything on the cricket field. Congratulations @ABdeVilliers17 on a fantastic career and my best wishes for your future. Cricket, will miss you. Thank you for the endless entertainment #ABdeVilliers
— Jhulan Goswami (@JhulanG10) May 23, 2018
There are only a few players whom you remember and talk about for generations. @ABdeVilliers17 for sure can represent the current gen with a sense of pride for his immense contribution to the world of cricket. Congratulations on a truly fantastic international career #ABDRetires
— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) May 23, 2018
It was an honour to share the same dressing room as Mr 360 @ABdeVilliers17. One of the greatest players to have ever graced the game. Congratulations and all the best for your 2nd innings! #ThankYouAB pic.twitter.com/1M1Zi3jOVM
— Sheldon Jackson (@ShelJackson27) May 23, 2018
AB de Villiers, the best all format batsman of his generation, retiring from international cricket a year before 2019 WC is a huge blow – maybe biggest yet – to primacy of international cricket.
— Tim Wigmore (@timwig) May 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/ChaharDeepak9/status/999289898690527232
What an incredible player!! best wishes to your future. It was an absolute joy to watch you play @ABdeVilliers17
— Upul Tharanga (@upultharanga44) May 23, 2018
One of the greats of the game Hangs up his boots…many congratulation @ABdeVilliers17 on a outstanding carrer.
You ll always be loved in Sri lanka…. #ABDevilliers pic.twitter.com/C4QtP2uwNy— Dimuth Karunarathna (@IamDimuth) May 23, 2018
what an amazing player you have been…an inspiration for me & for so many others.congratulations on a wonderful career.we will miss you wish you all the best for future @ABdeVilliers17
— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) May 23, 2018
Of the *UNREAL* things AB de Villiers has done on a cricket field, this is comfortably my favourite.
Absolutely no right to:
a) Get to the ball ✅
b) Throw while rolling over 😱
c) Hit the stumps 🎯 pic.twitter.com/havjbLeuA8— Vithushan Ehantharajah (@Vitu_E) May 23, 2018
@ABdeVilliers17 Exquisite timing as usual. Congratulations, so happy for you and your family. Respect ✊
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) May 23, 2018
AB de Villiers announced Retirement.
This day was going just fine. But of course, some bad news had to come in.
💔
— Richa Singh (@richa_singh) May 23, 2018
Don't say that AB de Villiers has retired from all forms of international cricket, say that AB de Villiers has retired from cricket in all 360 degrees.
— Trendulkar (@Trendulkar) May 23, 2018
.@ABdeVilliers17 immense character lets him walk out of international cricket with grace and countless fans longing for more of his class! Come back to Bengaluru ❤️ 🙌 #PlayBold pic.twitter.com/jaVUuuTKBy
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) May 23, 2018
