AB de Villers confirms retirement from professional cricket

The former South Africa wicketkeeper-batter says his passion for the game "no longer burns so brightly" after confirming his exit from the sport at the age of 37

AB de Villiers, one of world cricket's most destructive batters, has confirmed his retirement from the professional game.

The 37-year-old played 744 senior games across the formats during a 17-year stay at the summit of the sport.

De Villiers played 114 Tests, 228 ODIs 78 T20Is for South Africa men but retired from internationals in 2018 and later abandoned attempts to return to the fold.

Since, his outings have been limited to franchise competitions with his final appearance coming for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League in October.

"It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket," he said in a statement posted 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. pic.twitter.com/W1Z41wFeli

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 19, 2021

"Ever since the backyard 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."

Across a career during which he redefined modern-day batting, De Villiers enjoyed several key landmarks.

In 2015, he struck what remains the fastest century in ODI history, a 31-ball blast as part of his 149 against West Indies.

His tally of 20,014 runs across the three formats puts him 12th in the all-time list and second for South Africa behind Jacques Kallis.

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