AB de Villiers retires: Allan Donald shocked, Sachin Tendulkar says ‘you’ll be missed’
CAPE TOWN – Exquisite timing, legend, gentleman, inspiration. Those were some of the words used by cricket stars around the world to salute AB de Villiers, who retired from international cricket on Wednesday.
The 34-year-old De Villiers decided against making one last bid to win a Cricket World Cup title next year, saying in a video that he was “tired”.
A number of former and current cricketers saluted De Villiers on Twitter…
Herschelle Gibbs (former Proteas opener)
Everyone knows when their time has arrived,abbas is no different. Congrats on a wonderful career @ABdeVilliers17
Allan Donald (former Proteas paceman)
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.
Sachin Tendulkar (former Indian captain)
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!
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
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) May 23, 2018
Adam Gilchrist (former Australian wicket-keeper)
@ABdeVilliers17 Exquisite timing as usual. Congratulations, so happy for you and your family. Respect
Mahela Jayawardena (former Sri Lankan captain)
One of the best! Wish you all the best AB amazing player but above all that great guy...
Mark Boucher (former Proteas wicket-keeper)
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
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
— mark boucher (@markb46) May 23, 2018
Dané van Niekerk (Proteas Women captain)
Gutted. A legend of the game. Thank you @ABdeVilliers17
Albie Morkel (former Proteas all-rounder)
Takes a gentleman to know when enough is enough. Was an absolute pleasure to follow your career. Now go find something difficult to do! Well done AB! @ABdeVilliers17
Takes a gentleman to know when enough is enough. Was an absolute pleasure to follow your career. Now go find something difficult to do! Well done AB! @ABdeVilliers17 pic.twitter.com/ld0tafzhk9
— Albie Morkel (@albiemorkel) May 23, 2018
Virender Sehwag (former Indian opener)
Congratulations @ABdeVilliers17, the most loved cricketer in the world, on a wonderful career. International cricket will be poorer without you, but you will continue to be celebrated by cricket fans around the world
Michael Vaughan (former England captain)
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
Yuzvendra Chahal (Indian spinner)
Thank you @abdevilliers17 for being a big brother to me. I’ve learnt a great deal from you. The whole cricketing world and the fans will miss your magic. Thank you for the unlimited entertainment that you’ve given all of us. Won’t be another one like you Mr.360 #wewillmissuABD
Kagiso Rabada (Proteas paceman)
Straight up, icon of the game! Farewell Abbas. @ABdeVilliers17 is definitely high amongst the #GOAT. Who’s your favorite, batter/player of all time?
Straight up, icon of the game! Farewell Abbas. @ABdeVilliers17 is definitely high amongst the ????#GOAT. Who’s your favorite, batter/player of all time ? ????
— kagiso rabada (@KagisoRabada25) May 23, 2018
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