Retirement is final: AB de Villiers rules out international comeback

Cricket South Africa (CSA), on Tuesday, announced that they had discussions with AB de Villiers regarding his international comeback, with the latter saying that his “retirement will remain final.” Rumours were rife that de Villiers would make an international comeback and play the T20 World Cup for South Africa.

“Discussions with AB de Villiers have concluded with the batsman deciding, once and for all, that his retirement will remain final,” CSA said in a statement.

South African head coach Mark Boucher has said on several occasions over the past year that he was involved in discussions with De Villiers about making an international return.

De Villiers, 37, had said last month that he would make a decision based on his form and fitness.

Victor Mpitsang, the convener of selectors, told AFP: “There has been a lot of speculation, especially given how he has been playing in the IPL. Mark Boucher was very clear that he was having conversations with AB.

“Obviously he would always add value in whatever format he was playing, especially in a T20 World Cup, but I have not spoken to him personally and I have to respect the fact that he retired from international cricket.”

The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in October and November in India.