Proteas legend AB de Villiers inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

De Villiers enjoyed a distinguished international career as he hit 47 international centuries across 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20Is.

An ICC statement about De Villiers said: "An innovative stroke-maker with an eye for the spectacular, as well as excelling in Test and T20I cricket, the South African set records for the fastest fifty, century and 150 in ODI cricket to earn a reputation of being one of the most feared, destructive batters in the history of the game.

"He topped the ICC Player Rankings in Tests, where he blended exquisite stroke-play with resolute defence at times.

"He also went on to top the rankings in the ODI format, where his athleticism, explosiveness and ingenuity earned him the affectionate nickname of 'Mr 360' among global fans.

"In 2015 he set blistering new records for the fastest 50, 100 and 150 in ODIs during unforgettable innings of 149 and 162 not out against the West Indies, the latter of which came in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2015 at Sydney."

De Villiers joins former Proteas cricketers, Shaun Pollock, Jacques Kallis and Allan Donald, in the ICC's Hall of Fame inductees.

He retired from all formats in 2018 averaging over 50 in both Tests and ODIs, and thanks to a specialist skillset in T20Is, he flourished in in franchise leagues around the world.

De Villiers said: "It is a tremendous honour to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, joining a select group of cricketers to be recognised in this way.

"Cricket is often described as an individual sport within a team game⦠and it's true that, whether you are a batsman taking guard at the crease or a bowler pausing at the start of his run-up, you - and only you - are responsible for what happens.

"That said, everyone who plays cricket understands it is, in spirit, a team game.

"And I know I would have achieved nothing without the help and support of so many teammates, coaches and support staff from my early days at school in Pretoria, through so many memorable days at the Titans and with the South Africa team - and, indeed in franchise cricket - all around the world.

"To all of them, to the ICC, and supporters around the world, thank you."

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