Former South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers on Friday (November 19) announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.

After retiring from international cricket in 2018, De Villiers used to display his skills for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and other T20 tournaments around the world.

However, the batting maverick has now decided to call it quit for the one last time and he won’t be seen in action in professional cricket anymore.

Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter, AB de Villiers announced his decision with a series of posts.

“It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket. Ever since the back yard 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. That’s the reality I must accept - and, even if it may seem sudden, that is why I am making this announcement today. I’ve had my time,” De Villiers wrote.

“Cricket has been exceptionally kind to me. Whether playing for the Titans, or the Proteas, or RCB, or around the world, the game has given me unimagined experiences and opportunities, and I will always be grateful,” he added.

“I would like to thank every teammate, every opponent, every coach, every physio and every staff member who has travelled the same path, and I am humbled by the support I have received in South Africa, in India, wherever I have played,” he continued.

"Last, I am aware that nothing would have been possible without the sacrifices made by my family - my parents, my brothers, my wife Danielle and my children. I look forward to the next chapter of our lives when I can truly put them first," he concluded.

During his illustrious career, AB de Villiers represented South Africa in 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20Is, amassing nearly 20,000 runs with 47 centuries. In IPL, he played 184 games and scored 5162 runs at a strike rate of 151.69, including three tons.