[WATCH] AB de Villiers retires from international cricket
The Proteas star is ranked among the biggest names in world sport.
De Villers announced his retired from all forms of international cricket with immediate effect on Wednesday.
[BREAKING] AB de Villiers has announced his retirement from international cricket.
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) May 23, 2018
"It is time for others to take over, I've had my turn and to be honest I'm tired," says de Villiers. pic.twitter.com/Go0zbs0ega
The 34-year-old believes "the time is right" for him to hang up his boots, bringing a close to a sterling 14-year career.
"It is time for others to take over, I've had my turn and to be honest I'm tired."
The Proteas' star batsman was the only South African to make the ESPN's World Fame list - coming in at 99th place.
The move is somewhat of a surprise as it comes less than a year before the World Cup in England.
Cricket South Africa's acting chief executive, Thabang Moroe, says de Villiers' decision is a "disappointing but one that is respected".
"We are immensely grateful for what he has meant to South African cricket in all its constituencies and we wish him and his family everything of the best for the future."