South African batsman Hashim Amla, on Thursday, announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing down the curtains to an illustrious 15-year career.
Making his debut in 2004 against India, Amla scored 9282 runs in 124 Tests and 8113 runs in 181 ODIs. In 2012, the 36-year-old became the first South African to score a triple century in Tests, when he scored 311 against England at The Oval.
He was named the South African Cricketer of the Year in 2010 and again in 2013. "It is always sad to bid farewell to one of the true legends of the game," commented Cricket South Africa (CSA) Chief Executive Thabang Moroe.
"I am sure cricket players, administrators, the media and fans from around the world will join the CSA Family in congratulating Hashim on a job well done and to wish him all the best for the future.”
"We can indeed be grateful that he remains available for our domestic cricket and will continue to contribute by passing on his rich cricket and life experiences to our next generation of players," concluded Moroe.
Following the announcement, Twitter has been flooded with well wishes for arguably one of the best batsmen the sport has ever witnessed, and this is how they are reacting to it:
Hashim Amla unsung hero of world cricket.His modesty,humility,cannot be forgotten.He is example to everyone.
— Mutaher Ali (@GHIASALI) August 8, 2019
Goodbye Hashim Amla, maybe one of the fewest cricketers on the planet respected by everybody.
— Abdul Muhaimin (@sezan92) August 8, 2019
Steyn and Amla retiring in the space of a week. The old guard is almost all gone 😓
— Sav (@AdierSav) August 8, 2019
First, a painful one from Steyn. Then, a Kiwik heartbreak from Baz. And now, the only bitter news this Amla can ever give. This August, Cricket lost its august company. 💔😞
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) 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
First time I played against @amlahash was in u-19 World Cup in New Zealand.showed the glimpse of his class by playing an outstanding inning against us,surely he finished his international career by being one of the greats of South African cricket.Happy #retirement brother #amla
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 8, 2019
ABD retired
— faizmohd (@faizmoh87478333) August 8, 2019
Dale Steyn retired
and now Hashim Amla retires from international cricket 🏏 !! End of an era of South African cricket ! #HashimAmla !!😰 pic.twitter.com/dIW9hWrnt3
Hashim Amla never compromised about his religion.
— Blacks in Whites (@BlaqsInCricket) August 8, 2019
He always drank water kneeling.
Never wore clothes with logos of alcohol & betting companies.
He made is easy for Parnell, Tahir & Hamza.
#GoodbyeMightyHash pic.twitter.com/CbSaTAQZe0
The cricket field will surely miss you, Legend!
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Saeed Khan
