Ab de Villiers Announces Retirement From All Forms Of Cricket Including IPL

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket – including the IPL – via a social media post on Friday.

AB de Villiers recently featured in the IPL 2021, which, although wasn’t amongst his best seasons but he continued to show his magical prowess with the bat. The right-hander scored 313 runs at an average of 31.30 while striking at 148.34.

That flame no longer burns so brightly: AB de Villiers

Overall, in his IPL journey – in which he played Delhi Capitals (then Daredevils) and Royal Challengers Bangalore – AB de Villiers amassed 5162 runs at an average of 39.71, with a strike rate of 151.69. He slammed 3 hundreds in the IPL. The 37-year-old, however, retires without an IPL trophy.

“It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket,” AB de Villiers wrote in his Facebook post.

“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.

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

“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.”

AB de Villiers had retired from international cricket in 2018 and has been plying his trade in T20 leagues. He retires with a total of 9424 T20 runs, which he scored in 320 innings while playing for a number of teams around the world.

“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. 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.

“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,” the Pretoria-born star concluded.

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