AB de Villiers's last competitive match was in IPL 2021.
South African cricket icon AB de Villiers has announced that he is returning to competitive cricket once again. De Villiers, regarded as one of cricket's most inventive and dynamic players of all time, will lead the Game Changers South Africa Champions in the second World Championship of Legends (WCL 2025).
This top T20 competition, comprising retired and non-contracted cricket legends, offers a nostalgic yet thrilling spectacle for fans around the world. AB de Villiers last played competitive cricket in the IPL 2021 after which he announced his retirement from all cricket.
"Four years ago, I retired from all cricket because I just didn't feel the urge to play any more. Well, time has passed, and my young sons have started playing the game. We've been playing more and more often in the garden, and, well, it feels as though some kind of flame has been lit again. So I am heading back to the gym and the nets, and I'll be ready for WCL in July,” De Villiers said in a video on X.
AB de Villiers will be leading the South Africa squad that featured legends such as Jacques Kallis, Herschelle Gibbs, Dale Steyn, and Imran Tahir in the first season of WCL.
Amandeep Singh , Co-Owner of South Africa Champions & Founder of Game Changers shared his excitement.
He said: "We are honored to compete in the World Championship of Legends and showcase the incredible talent of our cricketing greats. AB de Villiers' return as our captain is a monumental boost for our team, and his leadership will undoubtedly inspire us to new heights.”
Harry Singh, Co-Owner of South Africa Champions added, "AB de Villiers is not just a player; he's an icon who has inspired millions around the world. His decision to lead our team is a testament to his love for the game, and we couldn't be more thrilled to have him on board. This marks a historic moment for the team and the league.”
Harshit Tomar, Founder and CEO of the World Championship of Legends, expressed his enthusiasm, "This is precisely why we launched the WCL - to bring back the legends we deeply miss. As a fan of AB de Villiers, I'm thrilled to see him return to the field. I'm sure cricket lovers in England and beyond will be delighted by his comeback."
(ANI inputs)