Amla is the second South African famous player to end his international career this week after fast bowler Dale Steyn, who announced his Test retirement on Tuesday.
South Africa batsman Hashim Amla on Thursday declared his retirement from all forms of international cricket with quick effect. Amla will proceed to play domestic T20 cricket in South Africa and other domestic matches in other countries.
He had made his international debut for South Africa in the Test match against India at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 2004, scoring 24 and 2 runs.
His last international match was in the World Cup against Sri Lanka in which he managed 80 not out as South Africa won by 9 wickets but bowed out of the tournament in the group stage after a disappointing campaign.
“It is always sad to not offer farewell to one of the true legends of the game,” commented Cricket South Africa (CSA) Chief Executive Thabang Moroe.
Hashim Amla said in a statement on Thursday.
- “Firstly, all Glory and thankfulness to Allah for granting me this Proteas journey which has been nothing but a pleasure and privilege. I learnt many drills during this incredible ride, made many friends and most importantly shared in the love of a brotherhood called #proteafire.”
- “I would like to appreciate my parents for their prayers, love and comfort, it is their shadow over me that allowed me to play for years under the Protea sun.”
- “Also, My family, friends and agent, my teammates 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!”
- “And, of course, a very special thanks to the President and the Board at Cricket South Africa – not forgetting the Chief Executive, Thabang Moroe, and his administrative team. I really appreciate all the moments and am truly grateful.”
In the shortest format, Amla headed to score 1277 runs at 33.60 including 8 fifties. Amla retires from the sport after having played 124 Tests, 181 ODIs and 44 T20 internationals for the Proteas. Amla hoarded 9282 runs in Tests at an average of 46.64 with 28 hundred and 41 fifties while in ODIs he scored 8113 runs at 49.46 with 27 centuries and 39 half-centuries.
During the recent Cricket World Cup in England, Amla achieved to become the second-fastest batsman to gather 8000 ODI runs after Virat Kohli in the group stage encounter against New Zealand at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Amla keeps the record for being the fastest ever to 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000 and 7000 ODI runs but dropped out on being the fastest to 8000 by just one inning. Kohli got to the mark in 175 innings while Amla managed it in 176.
