AB de Villiers ready to return in a brand new sport | cricket

South African star cricketer AB de Villiers, who announced his complete retirement from the sport last year, will soon be back in action, but this time with a golf club. The 38-year-old will represent Team Rest of the World against Fred Couples-led Team USA in the inaugural Icons Series golf tournament in Jersey City June 30-July 1.

He is joined by former world No. 1 and three-time Grand Slam winner Ash Barty. Meanwhile, swimming legend Michael Phelps and boxer great Oscar de la Hoya are among the other stars set to play for Team USA at the event.

Both athletes, who at one point were at the top of their respective disciplines, share different careers. The ex-Proteas game played well over a decade before saying goodbye to internationals in 2018 and the sport entirely last year.

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Barty, on the other hand, did when she was number one and just a month old after winning the 2022 Australian Open.

De Villiers shared his thoughts on her retirement, which came at the least expected moment, calling it “a strange one to explain.”

“I think the best answer is that everyone has their own way of maneuvering through their career, some as long as possible.

“The whole world respects her decision. I’d like to think that retiring can be a relief, but it’s an incredible age to retire,” the ex-cricketer said in an interview with AFP.

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When asked for his opinion on his decision to hang his boots off cricket, the 38-year-old said he felt relieved and had no regrets.

“I feel relieved to be sitting here,” he said.

“I’m pretty happy I made the right decision even if I miss the game and will forever be grateful to the sport.

“But much like Ash, there’s a peace of mind about where I am.

“I am very happy to be able to look back on my career with fond memories.

“There are no regrets. Yes, I made mistakes, but no regrets.”

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