South Africa batsman Hashim Amla has announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket with immediate effect. On Thursday, in a statement he also thanked his family, friends, teammates, supporters and governing body of Cricket South Africa. But he will continue to play domestic T20 cricket in South Africa.
#BreakingNews @amlahash today called time on one of the great international careers of the modern era when he announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket. He will continue to be available for domestic cricket as well as the Mzansi Super League. #AmlaRetires pic.twitter.com/l9qgnt0661
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) August 8, 2019
“The fans for energizing me when times were tough, and for celebrating with me when we succeeded together. Siyabonga South Africa!" – @amlahash #AmlaRetires #ProteaFire #ThankYouHash pic.twitter.com/V9j5IzyQFu
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) August 8, 2019
Amla made his international debut in the Test match against India in November 2004. His last international match was in the World Cup against Sri Lanka. Amla retires from the sport after having played 124 Tests with 9282 runs, 181 ODIs with 8113 runs and 44 T20 internationals with 1277 runs for the Proteas.
In an international career that was spread over 15 years he played 349 matches across the three formats for the Standard Bank Proteas, making more than 18 000 runs, including 55 centuries and 88 other scores in excess of 50. #ThankYouHash pic.twitter.com/RmUC1bKA6K
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) August 8, 2019
Also, the 36-year-old batsman holds the record for the fastest batsman to reach 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000 and 7000 ODI runs. During the recent World Cup, Amla managed to become the second-fastest batsman to amass 8000 ODI runs.
🔝 The most ODI hundreds by a South African
💯💯💯 The only Test triple hundred by a South African
🔟 One of 10 players to top the @MRFWorldwide Test & ODI Batting Rankings simultaneously
⚡ The fastest to 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, and 7000 ODI runsThank you, @amlahash 👏 pic.twitter.com/JrkZWbp1PU
— ICC (@ICC) August 8, 2019
Cricket South Africa (CSA) Chief Executive Thabang Moroe, commented:
"This is an occasion to celebrate the richness that @amlahash has brought to the game around the world both on and off the field." – CSA Chief Executive @TGmoroe #AmlaRetires #ThankYouHash #ProteaFire pic.twitter.com/R6BhMo9rhd
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) August 8, 2019
"His humility has always been his standout quality and I cannot imagine a better role model to teach us all how to lead better lives. He has added great value not only to the Proteas but to the country at large." – @TGmoroe #AmlaRetires #ThankYouHash #ProteaFire @amlahash pic.twitter.com/srg0TLAaAn
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) August 8, 2019
Amla’s teammates told goodbye to him on Twitter, have a look:
You have served your country with great distinction and been a source of inspiration for many youngsters @amlahash! Wishing you a wonderful retired life. Good luck my friend. pic.twitter.com/U7OeLwWFtk
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 9, 2019
Unreal career @amlahash ! So many doubted u early on, but your fighting spirit, humility & incredible one of a kind talent took u to the top of the mountain and ultimately to one of the best players in the world and… https://t.co/LVxSIdeCoQ
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) August 8, 2019
Congratulations to Hashim Amla on a fantastic international career..what an amazing journey it has been since seeing you for the first time in the Kingsmead nets in the late 90’s… well done..respect..🏏👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 @amlahash
— Shaun Pollock (@7polly7) August 8, 2019
The mighty # @amlahash … The Father figure of our team. So much wisdom , so much humility , always a smile on ur face and has been the rock of the batting line up for as long as I can remember. Well done on ur legendary career bud. THANK YOU !!! We definitely gonna miss you pic.twitter.com/ILwp12URER
— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) August 9, 2019
A brother , guide and a well wisher to every one in proteas dressing room will be missed.Jazakallah for all the help and love @amlahash let allah bless you for everything you intend to do in future #Legend
— Imran Tahir (@ImranTahirSA) August 8, 2019
Cricket Legends praised him as well:
Congratulations @amlahash on a spectacular international career. You have been a pleasure to watch in the middle. All the best for your second innings! pic.twitter.com/q0aw4y86J0
— Sir Vivian Richards (@ivivianrichards) August 9, 2019
Congratulations to Hashim Amla on a fantastic international career..what an amazing journey it has been since seeing you for the first time in the Kingsmead nets in the late 90’s… well done..respect..🏏👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 @amlahash
— Shaun Pollock (@7polly7) August 8, 2019
You have served your country with great distinction and been a source of inspiration for many youngsters @amlahash! Wishing you a wonderful retired life. Good luck my friend. pic.twitter.com/U7OeLwWFtk
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 9, 2019
On the other hand, Cricket Australia has welcomed transgender women into its elite teams, opening doors for these players to represent Australia at domestic and international level.
Australian cricket governing body will allow male-to-female players to compete if the prospective players have nominated their gender identity to Cricket Australia’s head of integrity. They must prove their concentration of testosterone, a hormone that increases muscle mass, strength and haemoglobin, it should be less than 100 nanomoles per litre for at least 12 months prior to nomination.
Today we take a major step to ensure inclusiveness is at the heart of Australian Cricket.
Learn more about the inclusion of transgender and gender diverse people in the game: https://t.co/XbewXwazH4#ASportForAll pic.twitter.com/cRlM2TKx21
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) August 7, 2019
