South African Cricketers’ Association congratulates AB de Villiers on his stellar career

On Wednesday, South Africa cricket bid adieu to one of the greatest players of the modern day game. Proteas did not know how to react to the news of AB de Villiers’ retirement. Initially, fans were thinking that the news was just another rumour but the news has been officially confirmed and we have to sink in the fact that AB will not be playing international cricket anymore.

After the news broke out, people from all over the world showed support to the great man by sending congratulatory messages and wishing him good luck for his future. The Proteas were depending heavily on De Villiers for the 2019 World Cup but now have to change their plans. AB’s exit has left a big void in the South African team and it may be close to impossible to replace him. The South African Cricketers’ Association paid tribute to De Villiers after he bowed out of international cricket.

Gem of a person

On behalf of the collective of South Africa’s professional cricketers I would like to congratulate AB on his stellar career as a professional cricketer and for his contribution to the game in South Africa.” said Tony Irish, SACA’s chief executive in a press statement. There has never been anyone like AB and it will be very hard to replicate his performances in future. He has given many years to national cause and deserves every bit of appreciation that he is receiving.

“AB’s record in international cricket speaks for itself and one just needs to take in the public response to his retirement on social media to understand what he has meant to cricket fans in South Africa and around the world. I would, however, like to pay special tribute to him for the way in which he has conducted himself as a professional over a long period of time.

When commenting on player welfare issues in a FICA player survey in 2016, AB said ‘I am a person first, and then a cricketer.’ I believe this gives some insight into AB and perhaps explains why he has earned the level of respect he has in the game. His unique skill combined with his level of personal development as a man has made AB de Villiers the cricketer he is today.” added Tony Irish.

Keeping his cricketing achievements aside, De Villiers was a gem of a person off the field. He is one of the fewest cricketers in the world that is loved as much by fans in India and as he is by those in South Africa. “We thank AB for his contribution to the international game and wish him all the best in his retirement,” concluded Irish. The game of cricket will never see another AB de Villiers.

[interaction id=”5b07c3288b3c7b34ee930d29″]

Stay updated on ‘today’s cricket news‘ with CricTracker.com