Kolkata : South African legend AB De Villiers is set to make return to Proteas side, 4 years after announcing his retirement.
The 40 years Old is all set to lead the Game Changers South Africa Champions in the 2nd edition of World Championship of Legends (WCL).
WCL is a tournament where retired legends, non contracted players play representing their respective Nations. In first edition (2024), India under leadership of Yuvraj Singh defeated Pakistan in the final and became inaugural champion, and winding back the clock for fans.
This year, Mr. 360° has announced his return to Cricket 4 years after his retirement. To fans delight, he will lead the South African side in the tournament, bringing back nostalgia memories of 2015 WC.
Reflecting on his return, de Villiers said, “Four years ago, I retired from all cricket because I just didn’t feel the urge to play any more. Well, time has passed, and my young sons have started playing the game. We’ve been playing more and more often in the garden, and, well, it feels as though some kind of flame has been lit again“.
“So am heading back to the gym and the nets, and I’ll be ready for WCL in July,” he added.
Amandeep Singh , Co-Owner of South Africa Champions & Founder of Game Changers shared his excitement:
“We are honoured to compete in the World Championship of Legends and showcase the incredible talent of our cricketing greats. AB de Villiers’ return as our captain is a monumental boost for our team, and his leadership will undoubtedly inspire us to new heights,” Singh said.
Harry Singh, Co-Owner of South Africa Champions added, “AB de Villiers is not just a player; he’s an icon who has inspired millions around the world. His decision to lead our team is a testament to his love for the game, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have him on board. This marks a historic moment for the team and the league“.
Harshit Tomar, Founder and CEO of the World Championship of Legends, expressed his enthusiasm, “This is precisely why we launched the WCL – to bring back the legends we deeply miss. As a fan of AB de Villiers, I’m thrilled to see him return to the field. I’m sure cricket lovers in England and beyond will be delighted by his comeback.”
Nishant Pitti, Chief Patron of the WCL, “Our partnership with the World Championship of Legends is a celebration of cricket’s golden era. The return of AB de Villiers embodies the spirit of the league, and we are privileged to witness this iconic moment“.
In the inaugural season, the South African side featured legends like Jacques Kallis, Herschelle Gibbs, Imran Tahir, Dale Steyn. Addition of de Villiers into the squad will surely bring back sweet memories for Cricket fans.