Shahid Afridi Congratulates AB de Villiers on a Wonderful Career

Former Pakistan all-rounder, Shahid Afridi congratulated AB de Villiers on a wonderful international career, who startled the cricketing world by announcing his retirement by an immediate effect.

One of the prolific run-scorers of this era, de Villiers admitted that he wanted to retire while still at the top.

“After 114 test matches, 228 one day internationals and 78 T20 internationals it is time for others to take over. I’ve had my turn and to be honest I’m tired,” he said in a video message on Twitter.

“This is a tough decision, I have thought long and hard about it and I’d like to retire while still playing decent cricket. After the fantastic (test) series wins against India and Australia, now feels like the right time to step aside.

“It would not be right for me to pick and choose where, when and in what format I play for the Proteas. For me, in the green and gold, it must be everything or nothing,” de Villers added.

The 34-year old enjoyed a blistering international career that ran well over a decade. His stunning exploits on the cricket field made him one of the most loved cricket stars across the world.

De Villiers bids adieu to cricket as South Africa fourth highest run-getter in Test cricket with 8,765 runs. He made 22 test centuries and also took 222 catches and five stumpings. Overall, he registered 20,014 international runs (8765 in Tests, 9577 in ODIs and 1672 in T20Is). He also finished his career with a batting average over 50 in both Tests, and ODIs.

Meanwhile, de Villiers’ career was in peril after he had taken an indefinite break from Tests last year. However, he returned towards the end of the last year to represent the Proteas in that format. He played a pivotal role in South Africa’s win over India and Australia.

It was likely that de Villiers would at least play the next World Cup. But being as unpredictable as always, he decided to call it a day.

Afridi congratulates de Villiers

His sudden decision to hang his boots left the cricketing world in utter disbelief. Wishes from all cricketers, past and present to fans, poured in for the modern-day great.

Pakistan legend Afridi admitted that he always cherished claiming ABD’s wicket and also revealed that it was a massive challenge to fox him. Further, he also congratulated him for a prosperous international career.

One of my most cherished wickets! 🙂 Most of the times it was a massive challenge getting you out. Congratulations on a wonderful career @ABdeVilliers17 ? pic.twitter.com/jezZ1kwDCw

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) May 23, 2018

“One of my most cherished wickets! 🙂 Most of the times it was a massive challenge getting you out. Congratulations on a wonderful career @ABdeVilliers17,” the tweet read.

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