Former South African captain AB de Villiers is making his much-anticipated return to the cricket field after nearly four years.
The former legend announced his comeback on Tuesday, confirming he will lead the Game Changers South Africa Champions in the second edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL).
The WCL, a premier T20 tournament featuring retired and non-contracted cricket legends, is set to showcase some of the sport’s greatest stars.
De Villiers’ return has sparked excitement within the cricketing community, with fans eager to see the versatile and fearless batsman back in action.
Reflecting on his decision to return to cricket, de Villiers said, “Four years ago, I retired from all cricket because I just didn’t feel the urge to play anymore. 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 I am heading back to the gym and the nets, and I’ll be ready for WCL in July,” he added.
His comeback is set to inject new energy into the Game Changers squad. The team, which featured cricketing legends such as Jacques Kallis, Herschelle Gibbs, Dale Steyn and Imran Tahir in its inaugural season, now has a bright future with de Villiers at the helm.
Amandeep Singh, co-owner of South Africa Champions & Founder of Game Changers, expressed his excitement, saying, “We are honored 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.”
Harry Singh, co-owner of South Africa Champions, echoed the sentiment, adding, “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.”
It is pertinent to mention that the second edition of the WCL is slated to take place in July this year.
The announcement was made during an exclusive screening of the blockbuster film Singham Again in Mumbai last year, which drew an impressive array of stars and sports legends.
The inaugural season culminated in a thrilling final between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, where the Men in Blue emerged victorious after chasing down a target of 157 runs.
This historic clash added to the league’s allure, solidifying its position as a unique platform that brings together retired and non-contracted players who are still cherished by fans.