What do Supra and AB have in common? Twitter reacts

When Wednesday dawned, cricket fans worldwide were still looking forward to one last World Cup with AB de Villiers in it.

Now that dream has evaporated.

The Proteas legend announced his retirement from all international cricket with immediate effect and Twitter was predictably abuzz.

One of the main themes to De Villiers explaining his decision was the fact that he could retire on a high and on his terms.

“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,” he said.

Former Proteas were at the forefront of praising him…

https://twitter.com/AllanDonald33/status/999257164857462784

I remember this young guy on his 1st day out for Proteas… What an inspiration, person and player he turned out to be. Thank you for everything you have done and been for your country, teammates and fans @ABdeVilliers17 #legend pic.twitter.com/8gQBDWbAp7

— Mark Boucher (@markb46) May 23, 2018

https://twitter.com/hershybru/status/999265009489281030

Absolute stunning international career @ABdeVilliers17!Top bloke and very down 2 earth! A great ambassador for the game and role model 2 so many!will miss watching you play in the green and gold!all the best for the future my friend and thanks for the memories!#prinsvanpretoria pic.twitter.com/A1Zv49J5fN

— Roelof van der Merwe (@Roela52) May 23, 2018

And a current one…

https://twitter.com/danevn81/status/999263937622364160

Observers and pundits, however, had some conflicting thoughts…

Such a shame for international cricket @ABdeVilliers17 … But he has been an unbelievable advert to how I would have loved to have played all 3 formats .. GREAT GREAT Player … Top 3 that I have ever seen .. #AB

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) May 23, 2018

Fickle old time in recent months from @ABdeVilliers17 really. Said he was reinvigorated for SA, not too long ago. Now cites tiredness. Still, he's wholly entitled to quit Proteas on own terms. Awful loss at 34. Might have had a couple more, and stellar, years for the cause …

— Rob Houwing (@RobHouwing) May 23, 2018

AB de Villiers has retired from all international cricket.
All international cricket is now quite substantially less interesting.

Read more

‘Forever begins now’: Selena Gomez is officially off the market

— Tom Eaton (@TomEatonSA) May 23, 2018

When he says it isn't about playing abroad, I wonder if he turning his back on T20 cricket too. There isn't just a lot of money to be made there but much joy to be delivered too. #ABRetires

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 23, 2018

Some tried to find a legal loophole…

https://twitter.com/RobForbesDJ/status/999250122486829057

We were reminded of the link between AB and Supra…

A day of retirements – #SupraMahumapelo and @ABdeVilliers17. Supra going back to branches and AB to the Titans 🤣🤣

— Lawson Naidoo (@LawsonNaidoo) May 23, 2018

And a Titans legend points out to us that it might be worthwhile to watch domestic cricket again next season…

Not only one of the best ever cricketers to grace this earth but also a beautiful human being!!! Congrats on an awesome Int career @ABdeVilliers17 domestic cricketers 💩 themselves with the thought of him playing more games for @Titans_Cricket 😆

— Henry Davids (@HenryDavids19) May 23, 2018

For more sport your way, follow The Citizen on Facebook and Twitter.