Hashim Amla Announces Retirement From International Cricket With Immediate Effect

South African opener Hashim Amla has announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect. The news comes as a big surprise, despite Amla’s poor run at international level in past couple of years. He was undergoing through a rough patch in but managed to keep his place in the team.

On the road to the  World Cup 2019, there were doubts whether Amla would be part of the squad and the selectors went for his experience, selecting the veteran batsman in the squad for the tournament. He had a nominal run in 10-team event as the opener scored 203 runs in seven innings at 40.60.

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Amla was expected to continue playing for South Africa but has decided to call it quits a month after World Cup 2019.

The former South Africa Test captain played 124 Tests and 181 ODIs. He scored 9282 runs in the longest format of the game at 46.64. In ODIs, the right-handed batsman scored 8113 at 49.46.

Amla holds the record of being the quickest batsman to score 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000 and 7000 runs in ODI cricket. He is also the quickest batsman to score 15 centuries in this format.

“I would like to thank my parents for their prayers, love and support, it is their shadow over me that enabled me to play for years under the Protea sun. Also, My family, friends and agent, my team mates and every member of the support staff throughout this incredible journey. A heartfelt thank you to every one of you. The fans for energizing me when times were tough, and for celebrating with me when we succeeded together. Siyabonga South Africa!” he said.

“And, of course, a very special thanks to the President and the Board at Cricket South Africa – not forgetting the Chief Executive, Mr Thabang Moroe, and his administrative team. I really appreciate all the opportunities and am truly grateful. Love and peace,” Amla added.

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He made his Test debut against South Africa in 2004 while his ODI debut came against Bangladesh in 2008. Amla’s retirement will vacant the opening slot for Aiden Markram, who batted in the middle-order during World Cup 2019.

Amla is second star player to announce his retirement. Earlier this week, Dale Steyn retired from the longest format of the game. He will continue to play ODIs and T20Is.