Global stars react to AB de Villiers’ suprise retirement

(Photo: Getty Images)

By Adam Ellis

The decision by AB de Villiers to retire from international cricket has drawn plenty of tributes from figures around the sport.

Sure to go down as one the of the Proteas greats, the 34-year-old conceded he was ‘tired’ after an international career spanning 14 years.

His decision earned immediate responses from former team-mates Mark Boucher and Paul Harris, while Cricket South Africa president Chris Nenzani labelled de Villiers as a ‘colossus’ who had brought ‘innovation to take batting in all three formats to new levels’.

The numbers 💯 pic.twitter.com/ZUWY36somD

— The Cricket Paper (@TheCricketPaper) 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

— Mark Boucher (@markb46) May 23, 2018

What a great career. Best I have ever seen. Was great to be apart of it. @ABdeVilliers17 nou gaan ons braai. https://t.co/J5kvOinjxr

— paul harris (@paulharris12) May 23, 2018

One of the best! Wish you all the best AB👍 amazing player but above all that great guy… 👍 https://t.co/njEZLnuPit

— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) May 23, 2018

https://twitter.com/AllanDonald33/status/999257164857462784

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

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) May 23, 2018

Absolute stunning international career @ABdeVilliers17!Top bloke and very down 2 earth! A great ambassador for the game and role model 2 so many!will miss watching you play in the green and gold!all the best for the future my friend and thanks for the memories!#prinsvanpretoria pic.twitter.com/A1Zv49J5fN

— Roelof van der Merwe (@Roela52) May 23, 2018