Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum on Saturday (January 18) welcomed the Proteas batting maverick AB de Villiers to the “Bash Brothers” club.

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McCullum and Brisbane Heat skipper Chris Lynn had formed the “Bash Brothers” club while playing the Big Bash League (BBL) together.

But now that McCullum isn’t playing BBL anymore, he passed on the mantle to De Villiers, who made his debut in the Australian domestic T20 competition for Heat earlier this week.

“@Bazmccullum has officially anointed @ABdeVilliers17 as a Bash Brother ... with a couple of conditions,” 7Cricket tweeted a video with this caption.

In the video, McCullum and De Villiers can be seen having a pleasant interaction.

“Welcome to the club. Many have tried but there is very few who have been given this opportunity. Passed it over to you now mate. Congratulations on being a Bash Brother,” the ex-Kiwi batsman told the South African.

Overwhelmed by the welcome, AB said: “Thanks Baz. Big boots to fill. It’s great to be here.”

Brisbane captain Lynn also greeted De Villiers after being added to the club.

“Welcome Sir @ABdeVilliers17,” Lynn tweeted.