New Delhi: Former South African captain AB de Villiers recently expressed his desire to return to cricket four years after playing his last competitive match during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. Just days after hinting at his return, the right-handed batter has revealed that he will represent South Africa in the 2025 edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) in July.
De Villiers retired from international cricket seven years ago in 2018 but continued to play in the IPL until 2021. One of the most entertaining cricketers to grace the sport, De Villiers featured in 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20Is from 2004 to 2018.
The wait is over! ✨
WCL is overjoyed to announce that the legend himself, @ABdeVilliers17 , is joining the @WCLSAChampions this year! 🔥This moment is nothing short of magical—heartwarming, emotional, and an inspiration to us all. Seeing Mr. 360 return to the field reminds us… pic.twitter.com/mtL6fH9OXf
— World Championship Of Legends (@WclLeague) January 28, 2025
The return of Mr. 360
Known as Mr. 360, De Villiers revolutionised cricket with his innovative batting. His ability to hit both conventional and unconventional shots with equal ease made him a fan favourite. De Villiers holds the record for the fastest century in ODI cricket, reaching the milestone in 31 balls against the West Indies in Johannesburg in 2015.
He finished with 149 runs off 44 balls with the help of 16 sixes and also tied the record for most maximums in an ODI innings. Before reaching the three-wicket mark, De Villiers had already scripted history by notching up the fastest half-century in an ODI, off 16 balls.
The wicket-keeper batter finished with 22 Test and 25 ODI centuries over his 14-year-long career.
Harshit Tomar, the founder of the tournament, was over the moon by the announcement and hoped for cricket lovers in England to turn up to see De Villiers in action.
De Villiers retired from competitive cricket in 2021 and revealed that he didn’t have the urge to play anymore.
Ab de Villiers retired from international cricket seven years ago in 2018 but continued to play in the IPL until 2021. He will return to the cricket field after 4 years. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
