AB de Villiers announces retirement from all forms of cricket, thanks Virat Kohli, RCB management for support

South Africa legend AB de Villiers on Friday announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Former South Africa captain thanked outgoing RCB skipper Virat Kohli and the entire team think tank for showing confidence in him. De Villiers already announced his retirement from international cricket in May 2018.

In a statement released, De Villiers said: “It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket.

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.

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.

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.

Cricket has been exceptionally kind to me. 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.”

De Villiers’ announcement means his association with IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) also comes to and end after 10 seasons of IPL.

Speaking about this decision, AB de Villiers said, “I have had a long and fruitful time playing for RCB. Eleven years have just whizzed by and leaving the boys is extremely bittersweet. Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time, but after a lot of contemplation, I’ve decided to hang up my boots and spend quality time with my family. I would like to thank the RCB management, my friend Virat Kohli, teammates, coaches, support staff, fans, and the entire RCB family for showing faith and supporting me all through these years.”

“It has been a memorable journey with RCB. Have so many memories on the personal front to cherish for a lifetime. RCB will always be very close to me and my family and will continue to support this amazing team. I am a RCBian forever,” he added

“I’m going to be an RCBian for life. Every single person in the RCB set-up has become family to me. People come & go, but the spirit & the love we have for each other at RCB will always remain. I’ve become half Indian now & I’m proud of that.” – @ABdeVilliers17 #ThankYouAB pic.twitter.com/5b6RUYfjDY

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) November 19, 2021

AB de Villiers has played 156 matches for RCB and scored 4,491 runs. He is the second all-time leading run-scorer behind Virat Kohli.