South African batsman AB de Villiers on Friday announced his retirement “from all cricket”. “It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket,” the 37-year-old said on Twitter. 

“It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket. 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,” he said. 

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“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. Cricket has been exceptionally kind to me. Cricket has been exceptionally kind to me. 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.”

“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. 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.”

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One of the all-time great South African cricketers, de Villiers made his debut for the Proteas in the first of a five-match Test series against England in December 2004. The right-handed batsman has since played in 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20Is for the Proteas. De Villiers scored over 20,000 international runs in all three formats, including 47 hundreds and an average of over 50 in both Tests and ODIs.  

De Villiers also has 306 international wickets. His last appearance for his country came in March, 2018, in a Test match against Australia. 

He has also had a distinguished career in the IPL, where he scored 5,162 runs in 184 matches for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). He has 40 fifties and three tons in the cash-rich league.