South African star batsman AB de Villiers has made his mark in the sports arena with his exceptional cricketing talent and sportsmanship. Currently, we are seeing him playing cricket for the Royal Challengers Bangalore team with Captain Virat Kohli in the Indian Premier League. The chemistry between the dynamic duo on the field is definitely unmatchable.
But in a shocking turn of events, AB de Villiers has dropped a major bomb on his fans and cricket lovers. A decision that might change the way we view South African team playing on the field, AB de Villiers has made a ‘big’ decision for his career ahead.
In a video message shared by the cricketing superstar on his social media with the caption “I’ve made a big decision today”, AB de Villiers has announced his retirement from international cricket from immediate effect.
Yes, AB de Villiers has retired from international cricket from the evening of May 23. The decision has come few days post his RCB IPL match. In the video, the star batman elaborated the reason to his decision by exclaiming that it was the right time to move on as he felt ‘tired’. He said:
“Hi, this is the Tuks Cricket Club at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria where 14 seasons ago I arrived as a nervous youngster when I was first called in to the Proteas squad. Today at the same place, I want to let you know that I have decided to retire from all forms of international cricket with immediate effect. After 114 Test matches, 228 ODIs and 78 T20s, it is time for others to take over. I’ve had my turn and to be honest, I’m tired.”
Later he said:
“This is a tough decision. I thought long and hard about it and I would love to retire while still playing decent cricket and after the fantastic series wins against India and Australia, now it feels the right time to step aside.”
Watch the entire video here:
I’ve made a big decision today pic.twitter.com/In0jyquPOK
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) May 23, 2018
As AB de Villiers made his international debut for the Proteas in 2004, the right-handed batsman has played 114 Test matches, 228 ODIs and 78T20 internationals for his home country, scoring over 20,000 runs since then.
While the 34 year old cricketer has announced his retirement, his fans are heartbroken with his decision. They are devastated with the thought of not being able to watch one of the biggest cricket icons across the globe play cricket on the field again.
Here are few of the emotional reactions of his fans on Twitter:
I’ve made a big decision today pic.twitter.com/In0jyquPOK
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) May 23, 2018
We were not ready for this! #ABDevilliers pic.twitter.com/a6AotLA1KB
— East India Comedy (@EastIndiaComedy) May 23, 2018
Are you even serious @ABdeVilliers17 few days back you did this impossible looking catch.. Won 4-5 matches for RCB single handedly.. Hit the longest six of IPL 2018 and now retiring??? Please don’t do this to us #ComeBackABD please we beg you pic.twitter.com/l0mNvsZVeb
— PLEASE DON’T GO ABD (@IABHI_HR) May 23, 2018
Wankhede once booed Sachin Tendulkar when he was struggling to score runs.
In 2015, Wankhede stadium chanted ‘AB AB AB’. despite the fact he scored a brilliant 1000 & won the ODI series 3-2, still crowd didn’t boo him once. This is the respectful AB de Villiers for us.
— Farrago Abdullah (@abdullah_0mar) May 23, 2018
BREAKING N SAD NEWS FOR Cricket Fans across the world 😥
AB de Villiers retires from all forms of international cricket effective immediately.
NO NO NO Villiers … Dear @OfficialCSA DO NOT accpet @ABdeVilliers17 ‘s Resignation .
Plz keep playing ABD .. #RjAlok pic.twitter.com/MUjACkDcFE
— RJ ALOK (@OYERJALOK) May 23, 2018
BREAKING N SAD NEWS FOR Cricket Fans across the world 😥
AB de Villiers retires from all forms of international cricket effective immediately.
NO NO NO Villiers … Dear @OfficialCSA DO NOT accpet @ABdeVilliers17 ‘s Resignation .
Plz keep playing ABD .. #RjAlok pic.twitter.com/MUjACkDcFE
— RJ ALOK (@OYERJALOK) May 23, 2018
So everything ends @ABdeVilliers17. You left me in tears! I’m not even at home and you left me crying AB De Villiers? 😢 I don’t think even death is this painful and shattering man..I am not getting anything to write 💔😢
— Don’t Go AB De Villiers 💔 (@VijayIsMyLife) May 23, 2018
Quite surprised & shocked 2 know about AB de Villiers ‘s sudden retirement from all forms of international #cricket😳. I believe he had at-least 2 more years of cricket left in him. Will really miss his 360 degree #avatar in international cricket. All the best #ABDevilliers. #ABD pic.twitter.com/qpVdtYtiIQ
— Sunil Sanjan (@sunilsanjan) May 23, 2018
Thank you AB de Villiers for coming to our planet ❤ pic.twitter.com/4m1Y4vbavP
— •Cнιragᵛᶤᵖᵉʳ🚬 (@iSRKsSoul) May 23, 2018
She : breakup hurts the most
He: bhakk bkl @ABdeVilliers17 announces his international retirement. 😭💔#ThankyouABD #ABDevilliers
— Tweetera🐦 (@DoctorrSays) May 23, 2018
International cricket will miss AB de Villiers. pic.twitter.com/JVKOms2RXx
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) May 23, 2018
I don’t understand what is going through ABD’s mind rn. He is in form, he is fit, he has nothing to prove and this decision just shocked me!! In fact he had to play the next WC as well! Why just why? @ABdeVilliers17
— ///// (@ViratxAkshu) May 23, 2018
