Hashim Amla retires from international cricket

Star South Africa batsman Hashim Amla has retired from all forms of international cricket with immediate effect.
The announcement by the 36-years-old Proteas journey brings down the curtains on a stellar 15-year career that he has termed an “incredible ride”.

In a statement, Hashim Amla said: “Firstly, all glory and thanks to the Almighty for granting me this Proteas journey which has been nothing but a joy and privilege,” Amla said in a statement.

I learned many lessons during this incredible ride, made many friends and most importantly shared in the love of a brotherhood called Protea Fire.

I would like to thank my parents for their prayers, love, and support, it is their shadow over me that enabled 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! Love and peace.”

Hashim Amla is the Proteas’ second-highest Test run-scorer with 9,282 runs in 124 matches at an average of 46.64 with 28 centuries.

A naturally gifted stroke-maker is the only South Africa batsman to score a Test triple hundred – 311 not out against England in 2012.

Amla served as South Africa Test captain between 2014 and 2016, the team’s first permanent non-white captain.

In his overall career, Amla scored more than 18,000 runs across all formats for South Africa with 55 centuries in 349 matches and has been ranked as the number one batsman in both Test and one-day international cricket.

He scored 27 ODI centuries, the most by a South Africa batsman, and scored 8,113 runs at an average of 49.46 in the ODI format.