Retired in 2018, ABD now frees himself of all franchise commitments

SA Batting Great Draws The Curtains On Participation In All Forms Of The Game

Johannesburg: Former South Africa international AB de Villiers said he has decided to retire from all forms of cricket, having lost his “hunger for the game”, bringing to an end a 17-year career where he established himself as one of the game’s greats. De Villiers had retired from all international formats in May 2018 but was in talks about a return to the limited-overs side for the T20 World Cup before deciding against playing again.

The 37-year-old was still involved in franchise cricket, last playing in the IPL for Bangalore, who described his retirement as the “end of an era” after a decade. “It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket,” De Villiers said. “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.