Past and present players take to social media to pay tribute to South Africa superstar AB de Villiers following his sudden international retirement
Cricket world reacts to ABdV's retirement
AB de Villiers' sudden retirement from international cricket has prompted a widespread reaction on social media, with tributes flooding in from shocked past and present teammates and rivals around the globe.
On Wednesday the 34-year-old, who made his international debut in December 2004, sensationally announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket with immediate effect, admitting he is "tired" and "running out of gas".
"I have decided to retire from all international cricket with immediate effect," de Villiers said on Wednesday. "After 114 Test matches, 228 ODI’s and 78 T20 Internationals, it is time for others to take over. I have had my turn, and to be honest, I am tired.
"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 series wins against India and Australia, now feels like the right time to step aside."
Like your on-field game, may you have 360-degree success off the field as well. You will definitely be missed, @ABdeVilliers17. My best wishes to you! pic.twitter.com/LWHJWNXcVG%E2%80%94 Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) May 23, 2018
@ABdeVilliers17 Exquisite timing as usual. Congratulations, so happy for you and your family. Respect ✊%E2%80%94 Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) May 23, 2018
I remember this young guy on his 1st day out for Proteas... What an inspiration, person and player he turned out to be. Thank you for everything you have done and been for your country, teammates and fans @ABdeVilliers17 #legend pic.twitter.com/8gQBDWbAp7%E2%80%94 mark boucher (@markb46) May 23, 2018
Congratulations to @ABdeVilliers17 on a sensational international cricket career!!! Certainly will go down as one of the greats of the game both as a player but also as a person- A true great on and off the field. Best wishes for the next innings in life%E2%80%94 Mike Hussey (@mhussey393) May 23, 2018
True legend. Finishing on top and allowing next generation to step up. The way AB found innovative ways to dominate bowling attacks was an inspiration #ABdeVilliers #AB https://t.co/Khj9UEXo9u%E2%80%94 Alex Blackwell (@AlexBlackwell2) May 23, 2018
Sad to hear that @ABdeVilliers17 has retired from the game. He was a serious player on the field for 🇿🇦and an even better person off it and proud to call him my team mate and friend. Good luck with the future plans my bud. U will be missed by many. 🥇🏏#Legendofthegame%E2%80%94 Dean Elgar (@deanelgar) May 23, 2018
Congrats on an awesome career @ABdeVilliers17 Enjoy retirement and the extra time with your family. Was a pleasure watching you as a youngster and then becoming one of the best in the world. 🥂%E2%80%94 Jacques Kallis (@jacqueskallis75) May 23, 2018
Just seen that @ABdeVilliers17 retired. Congrats on an unreal career buddy! Life gets better now with family and friends! pic.twitter.com/6unDeBP1oC%E2%80%94 Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) May 23, 2018
All the best @ABdeVilliers17 on ur new chapter.What a player,what a man!Truly an honour to have watched & fortunate to have been in ur team❤%E2%80%94 hashim amla (@amlahash) May 23, 2018
Most definitely a G.O.A.T in my book. Truly an honour to have shared some memorable moments on and off the field with you champion. Congrats on an outstanding international career. Wishing you all the best in the next chapter my friend. Good well Braampie @abdevilliers17 #GOAT pic.twitter.com/RV7eK5JmJS%E2%80%94 JP Duminy (@jpduminy21) May 23, 2018
Congrats on an outstanding career. You deserve all the accolades but most importantly, time now to enjoy with your family and friends. Always the toughest to play against 👍🏼%E2%80%94 Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) May 23, 2018
Respect to a class act 🙏🏽 @ABdeVilliers17%E2%80%94 Dwayne DJ Bravo (@DJBravo47) May 23, 2018
The most complete modern day cricketer and an epic smasher of the cricket ball. Congrats on your fantastic International Cricket career, you will be missed truly @ABdeVilliers17%E2%80%94 Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) May 23, 2018
Congratulations to @ABdeVilliers17 on wonderful & graceful Career 👍🏼👏🏼 , thanks for all the entertainment u provided to all of us , one of the toughest competitor in the Feild & fine human being , Good luck for ur future plans , stay blessed%E2%80%94 Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) May 23, 2018
Such sad news for the cricket world but thank you @ABdeVilliers17 for being our own Superhero! Enjoy spending quality time with your family! All the best for your future endeavours. https://t.co/w4sH2upAdx%E2%80%94 Mignon du Preez (@MdpMinx22) May 23, 2018
An inspiration to millions, and one of the greatest to have come from South Africa. @ABdeVilliers17 retired a true legend!%E2%80%94 Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) 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 👏 pic.twitter.com/jezZ1kwDCw%E2%80%94 Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) May 23, 2018
Many congratulations @ABdeVilliers17 on a glorious Cricket career. You enriched the game with your ability, presence and mannerisms and will continue to be a role-model for aspiring cricketers. Wish you a very happy post-retirement life.%E2%80%94 VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) May 23, 2018
Gutted. A legend of the game. Thank you @ABdeVilliers17 https://t.co/XW6jFurs80%E2%80%94 Dane van Niekerk (@danevn81) May 23, 2018
Sad day for @OfficialCSA and cricket in general, he will be missed!! 🇿🇦🏏 #ABD https://t.co/gKKtq4HAYp%E2%80%94 Marizanne Kapp (@kappie777) May 23, 2018
😢%E2%80%94 Alyssa Healy (@ahealy77) May 23, 2018
@ABdeVilliers17 It was a pleasure to have been involved in many battles with you on the international stage. A true South African legend. #Superman%E2%80%94 Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) May 23, 2018
Such a shame for international cricket @ABdeVilliers17 ... But he has been an unbelievable advert to how I would have loved to have played all 3 formats .. GREAT GREAT Player ... Top 3 that I have ever seen .. #AB%E2%80%94 Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) May 23, 2018
So shocked to here @ABdeVilliers17 has decided to call time on his international career. But that’s just life and he feels it’s time to move on. Thank you great man for your amazing Match winning Performances, Skill Captaincy and most of all your Humility. 👏👏👏%E2%80%94 Allan Donald (@AllanDonald33) May 23, 2018
Congrats on a phenomenal international career @abdevilliers17!You’re a hero and an inspiration to so many! 👌🙌👏 pic.twitter.com/fnEYzUOVCK%E2%80%94 James Taylor (@jamestaylor20) May 23, 2018
Well done @ABdeVilliers17 on a fantastic career, one of my favourite players to watch go about their skill. Wish you every success with you and your family.
%E2%80%94 David Warner (@davidwarner31) May 23, 2018