Retirement is cathartic relief after a career well played

Depending on who you ask, AB de Villiers’ announcement that he would retire from all international cricket was either a shock or expected.

Many expected him to be around for the 2019 World Cup, others – who noted that he recently said winning that trophy is “no longer his ultimate dream” – would have been expected this decision sooner rather than later.

Whatever reaction you had, it’s the end of the international career of one of the most exciting players the world has ever seen. Fortunately, with the nature of domestic competitions, the world will continue to see him pull off stunts like the outrageous IPL catch just recently. And, according to the man himself, he will even turn out for his domestic franchise.

His records are well chronicled, but, if you needed reminding, here’s a list: the World Record for the fastest ODI 50 (16 balls), 100 (31 balls) and 150 (64 balls), the second highest individual Test score for South Africa (278*), the highest points (935) by a South African on the ICC Test rankings and he has claimed the coveted SA Cricketer of the Year Award twice (2014 and 2015).

He bows out of Test cricket with an average of 50.66 and as the fourth-highest run-scorer for South Africa with 8,765 runs.

Announcing his decision – first on Twitter and then via a statement sent out by Cricket South Africa – the 34-year-old said: “the time is right”.

“I have decided to retire from all international cricket with immediate effect,” he said on Wednesday.

“After 114 Test matches, 228 ODI’s and 78 T20 Internationals, it is time for others to take over. I have had my turn, and to be honest, I am tired.

“This is a tough decision. I have thought long and hard about it and I’d like to retire while still playing decent cricket. After the fantastic series wins against India and Australia, now feels like the right time to step aside.”

Fans of Test cricket – the ultimate format of the game – will no doubt be irked that a player still in his prime could be so selfish at a time when the sport needs him. Some might say he doesn’t “look tired” while gallivanting around India – or the next time he ends up playing in some or other T20 competition.

Truth is, few know what tired looks like for elite sports people.

De Villiers has, over the last few years, had a bit of an on-again, off-again love affair with Test cricket. And the frustration that he is choosing to call it off now is understandable. Feeling that he let the team – or his country down – by choosing to retire and not be part of next year’s World Cup is reasonable.

But the demands of elite sport are about so much more than what fans want.

Fans might indirectly contribute to players’ salaries by watching matches and buying merchandise, but that does not mean they can make demands.

De Villiers’ absence from the Proteas side will be felt, sure, but it would be extremely selfish to not grant him this decision after all that he has sacrificed to be the best he can be at international level.

For sports people at the top level, careers are short-lived. While most of us ordinary people work in our chosen professions for a good 40 years or more, sports people usually only last a decade and a half.

The physical strains their bodies take during this time is immense – and they never stop feeling it. Ask any retirement pro about the creaking joints and aches that never go away.

Those, like De Villiers, who are at the very top of the spectrum have greater earning potential because of sponsorships and, no doubt, paid engagements as pundits, but no amount of money can make up for the time away from friends and family.

And De Villiers does have a young family with two young children who he has, sometimes, missed growing up. And while he is professional sports person by choice – aware of the demands that come with it – it doesn’t mean those choices aren’t challenging.

Living as a professional sportsperson, especially those so freakishly talented, loved and adored by millions, often removes them from the ordinary and mundane existence we so often take for granted.

Pack suitcase. Airport. Plane. Hotel room. Pitch. Press conference. Repeat. It might be plush, but it’s not pleasant.

The 34-year-old has had a good innings and while many will feel betrayed because of his decision to still play domestically, there are a myriad factors to consider.

Ultimately, his retirement is a cathartic experience not just for the fans but also for him. The least everyone can do is grant him some grace. DM