LAHORE – The cricket fraternity and fans have extended wishes to South African player AB de Villiers, an undisputed “great of the game”, after he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
The legendary batsman took to social media to release the official statement of his retirement. The 37-year-old already announced his retirement from international cricket in May 2018 but was active in franchise cricket leagues.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam and many other cricketers and professionals have paid tribute to cricket legend.
“You were my childhood inspiration and I always tried to learn from your charismatic approach. I still remember the first time I met you and how welcoming you were. You have inspired many generations of cricket. Wish you the very best and a happy retirement, @ABdeVilliers17!” Azam wrote on Twitter.
You were my childhood inspiration and I always tried to learn from your charismatic approach. I still remember the first time I met you and how welcoming you were. You have inspired many generations of cricket. Wish you the very best and a happy retirement, @ABdeVilliers17! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/nlqsyW8iSI
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) November 19, 2021
Well done @ABdeVilliers17 on a special career. I've been extremely lucky to be on the same cricket field as you. The game will not be the same without you. The greatest player I have played with.🐐 https://t.co/N3BJ3Jxw6Q
— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) November 19, 2021
Definitely a kind of relief for myself and all the bowlers . Thank you soo much for the great memories and inspiring soo many of youngsters including me . We will definitely Miss you Mr 360 @abdevilliers17 ❤️❤️🙌🏻🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/yAi23Cv8gw
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) November 19, 2021
This hurts my heart but I know you've made the best decision for yourself and your family like you've always done. 💔I love you 💔 @ABdeVilliers17
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) November 19, 2021
Thank you for the memories, the records broken and the entertainment @ABdeVilliers17 💚
We salute your contribution to the game and wish you everything of the best for the future 🇿🇦 #ThankYouAB pic.twitter.com/iL74NShG4W
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) November 19, 2021
https://twitter.com/SteelyDan66/status/1461628005235793925
Happy retirement to one of the best in this beautiful game Mr. 360 @ABdeVilliers17 . Thank you so much for all the memories and Congrats for your wonderful career. pic.twitter.com/XBMFdYbiwN
— Mohammad Nabi (@MohammadNabi007) November 19, 2021
The best I’ve ever seen, and someone who I’ve always looked up to! Took the game to another level singlehandedly #mr360
Thankyou 🙌🏼👏🏼 @ABdeVilliers17 https://t.co/lzEQ3MYP13
— Sam Billings (@sambillings) November 19, 2021
Your contribution to cricket has been immense @ABdeVilliers17 🙌 A true legend of this beautiful game and a wonderful athlete. Good luck for whatever the future has in store for you 😊 https://t.co/Yh4huPUH7n
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) November 19, 2021
Here are some reactions from the fans:
The End of an Era💔
#mr360 🔥 Its An End of Era
We Miss You Legend #AbDevillers Mr. 360
Great Entertainment Cricket Player♥️😍Emotional to all cricket lovers!
A legend will always be remembered. End of an era 💔 pic.twitter.com/3FxJlcTvan— Waqas Asdi (@mewaqasasdi07) November 19, 2021
https://twitter.com/Pailwansharana1/status/1461734713702289408
#GOAT
Ab De Villers
End of an era …
One of the finest player …
Thank You ABD
Happy Retirement …….#AbDevillers#ABDevilliers #GOAT #Trending pic.twitter.com/n3QXSMpS5N— Bilal Zafar (@bilal_zafar1) November 19, 2021
https://twitter.com/Itx_Malikafaq/status/1461731793292382214
AB de Villiers announces retirement from all forms of cricket
