South African Batsman Hashim Amla announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket with immediate effect on Thursday.
Confirming Amla’s decision to retire, Cricket South Africa tweeted, “#BreakingNews
@amlahash today called time on one of the great international careers of the modern era when he announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket. He will continue to be available for domestic cricket as well as the Mzansi Super League. #AmlaRetires.”
#BreakingNews @amlahash today called time on one of the great international careers of the modern era when he announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket. He will continue to be available for domestic cricket as well as the Mzansi Super League. #AmlaRetires pic.twitter.com/l9qgnt0661
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) August 8, 2019
However, he will continue to play domestic cricket and will be available for selection in the upcoming Mzansi Super League.
“I learnt many lessons during this incredible ride, made many friends and most importantly shared in the love of a brotherhood called #proteafire. I would like to thank my parents for their prayers, love and support, it is their shadow over me that enabled me to play for years under the Protea sun,” Amla said in an official statement.
In an international career that was spread over 15 years, he played 349 matches across the three formats for the Proteas, making more than 18 000 runs, including 55 centuries and 88 other scores in excess of 50.
“This is an occasion to celebrate the richness that @amlahash has brought to the game around the world both on and off the field,” Cricket South Africa (CSA) Chief Executive Thabang Moroe said.
“This is an occasion to celebrate the richness that @amlahash has brought to the game around the world both on and off the field.” – CSA Chief Executive @TGmoroe #AmlaRetires #ThankYouHash #ProteaFire pic.twitter.com/R6BhMo9rhd
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) August 8, 2019
“His humility has always been his standout quality and I cannot imagine a better role model to teach us all how to lead better lives. He has added great value not only to the Proteas but to the country at large,” he added.
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Amla was also named as the Proteas cricketer of the year in 2010 and 2013.
He played 124 Tests for South Africa, scoring 9282 runs in them at an average of 46.41.
He went on to represent Proteas in 181 ODIs and he was able to amass 8113 runs in the format.
In the shortest format of the game, the cricketer was able to reinvent himself, as he played 44 T20Is for the Proteas, scoring 9277 runs in them at an average of 33.61
(With agency inputs)