This month is turning out to be the month of retirements for the cricket world. The South African batsman Hashim Amla has announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket with immediate effect. A release from Cricket South Africa confirmed the decision through their release.
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Cricket South Africa took to their official Twitter handle to break the news. Amla in an official statement said, “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.”
He thanks his family, friends, agent, teammates for making this journey possible and fruitful for him. The Chief Executive of CSA Thabang Moroe expressed the sadness of letting this cricket legend go, especially after what Amla did for his country. He also said, “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.
Hashim Amla’s 15-year-long international cricket career saw him rising as one of the best batsmen of South Africa. In 124 Tests he smashed 9282 runs, the most by any South African player till date. Whereas his Test average if 46.64, in ODI Amla’s average is just under 50 in 178 innings where he gathered 8113 runs. He is the only South African to have scored a triple century in the Test format. Amla was named as the Proteas cricketer of the year in 2010 and 2013. In the shorter format of the game, Amla scored 1277 runs in 44 T20Is.
Amla, although has retired from all forms of international cricket, will continue to play T20 league cricket across the globe. Earlier he represented Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League, Barbados Tridents in the Caribbean Premier League and Durham Heat in the Mzansi Super League.
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