South Africa player Hashim Amla has announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket on August 8. He had played 349 international games where he amassed 18,672 runs including 55 centuries. He is the only South Africa player who scored a triple century in Test cricket and he remains the quickest batsman in the world to reach the feat of 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000 and 7000 ODI runs.
He led South Africa in the Under-19 World Cup in 2002. He even led the side in 14 Test matches and has a great international career. Although he took retirement from international cricket, he will be available in the domestic cricket and Mzansi Super League also.
“Firstly, all glory and thanks to the Almighty for granting me this Proteas journey which has been nothing but a joy and privilege,” Hashim Amla said in a statement. “I learnt many lessons during this incredible ride, made many friends and most importantly shared in the love of a brotherhood called Protea Fire.”
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“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 further added.
“Also, my family, friends and agent, my team mates and every member of the support staff throughout this incredible journey. A heartfelt thank you to every one of you. The fans for energizing me when times were tough, and for celebrating with me when we succeeded together. Siyabonga South Africa! Love and peace,” he concluded.
“It is always sad to bid farewell to one of the true legends of the game,” shared Thabang Moroe, the Chief Executive of Cricket South Africa (CSA). “But at the same time this is rather an occasion to celebrate the richness that Hashim has brought to the game around the world both on and off the field. 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.”
“I am sure cricket players, administrators, the media and fans from around the world will join the CSA Family in congratulating Hashim on a job well done and to wish him all the best for the future,” Moroe further added.
However, AB de Villers along with some other players and Twitterati reacts after his retirement news and started tweeting.
Unreal career @amlahash ! So many doubted u early on, but your fighting spirit, humility & incredible one of a kind talent took u to the top of the mountain and ultimately to one of the best players in the world and… https://t.co/LVxSIdeCoQ
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) August 8, 2019
Hashim Amla, record breaker 🙌 #ThankYouHash pic.twitter.com/qgIWDNBrc7
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) August 8, 2019
Congratulations to Hashim Amla on a fantastic international career..what an amazing journey it has been since seeing you for the first time in the Kingsmead nets in the late 90’s… well done..respect..🏏👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 @amlahash
— Shaun Pollock (@7polly7) August 8, 2019
JUST IN: Hashim Amla, one of South Africa's greatest-ever batsmen, has retired from international cricket. pic.twitter.com/yB3rRLSqHX
— ICC (@ICC) August 8, 2019
Hashim Amla announces his retirement from international cricket. He played 346 matches for South Africa, making 18,553 runs with 55 hundreds and 87 fifties across the three formats for his country #Cricket pic.twitter.com/fw56Tf8p6e
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) August 8, 2019
Congratulations on a glorious career @amlahash ! In this world of contemporary Cricket, your batting was conventional, pure and unadulterated !! Class all the way !! Your Elegance and consistency will be missed. All the very best #HashimAmla !!
— Mikkhail Vaswani (@MikkhailVaswani) August 8, 2019
South African batsman #HashimAmla announces his retirement from all forms of international #cricket. pic.twitter.com/YPxVfTBEO4
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) August 8, 2019
Great player..great man! #HashimAmla https://t.co/Eo5ShgYeZm
— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) August 8, 2019
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It was such a pleasure watching @amlahash with his magic wand.
Congrats 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 and so long.#whataplayer #themightyHash #HashimAmla— Mpumelelo Mbangwa (@mmbangwa) August 8, 2019
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.@amlahash what a career you've had champion! Monk like patience and a warrior like batting spirit. Class act🙌🏏#hashimamla
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) August 8, 2019