AB De Villiers Archives

AB de Villiers, Matthew Hayden back cricket’s new format ‘Test Twenty’

Cricket legends AB de Villiers, Sir Clive Lloyd, Matthew Hayden, and Harbhajan Singh have endorsed the game’s fourth format, called Test Twenty.

Test Twenty, a hybrid format, is set to be launched next year, designed for youth cricketers aged 13 to 19.

Matches will be played in whites with the red ball, featuring four innings of 20 overs each, all wrapped into a single day.

The format introduces a few notable adjustments to balance the two cricketing styles.

Each team is allowed one four-over PowerPlay, while the follow-on can be enforced if a team batting second trails by 75 or more runs after the first innings.

Teams may use a maximum of five bowlers, with each restricted to eight overs across the match.

Notably, a game can end in a win, loss, tie, or draw, giving players the chance to experience multiple outcomes within a single-day contest.

AB de Villiers, Sir Clive Lloyd, Matthew Hayden, and Harbhajan Singh form part of the advisory board for this innovative new format.

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De Villiers highlighted the creative opportunities Test Twenty will offer.

“What excites me most is the real creative freedom that this format brings to the party,” he said.

“It lets players completely express themselves but also think differently and take the kind of risks that make cricket so beautiful. Beyond that, it also teaches balance. You need to have the ability to survive across two innings.”

Sir Clive Lloyd praised the combination of spectacle and endurance.

“T20 cricket is an exhibition, and Test cricket is an examination. You’re now combining these two things into one. I’m sure it will be a success,” the legendary West Indies’ captain stated.

Meanwhile, Harbhajan Singh underlined the importance of engaging the audience.

“It is the crowd that makes any game famous, whether it is cricket, hockey, or even football in Australia,” the spinner said.

“These games are big because crowds get behind them, they endorse them. The best thing we can do is simplify it so that people can understand and connect with it.”

READ: Test Twenty explained: the game-changing fourth format of cricket

AB de Villiers criticises India over Asia Cup trophy controversy

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has launched a scathing attack on India over the Asia Cup 2025 trophy row, stating that ‘Politics should stay aside’.

Expressing his views on the controversy that followed after the final, he emphasized the difference between sport and politics.

“Team India sort of weren’t happy with who was handing out the trophy. I don’t feel that belongs in sports. Politics should stay aside. Sport is one thing, and it should be celebrated for what it is,” he said.

“Quite sad to see that, but hopefully they sort things out in the future. It does put the sport, the players, the sportsmen, the cricketers in a very tough position, and that’s what I hate to see. It was quite awkward there at the end,” he continued.

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He further stated: “I hate seeing this—ultimately it left a very bad impression.”

However, De Villiers praised India’s dominant performance and mentioned the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2026, set to take place in India and Sri Lanka.

“Let’s focus on what’s most important (the cricket itself). India are looking really, really strong. Building up to that big T20 World Cup. Remember, it’s not too far away. And they look like they’ve got a lot of talent, and they play the big moments well. So fantastic (to watch),” De Villiers said.

For context, the Asia Cup 2025 controversy saw India and Pakistan’s political relations overshadowing cricket for the entire length of the tournament.

India went on to lift the title unbeaten after defeating Pakistan. Yet, what grabbed the spotlight on social media was the lack of handshakes or gestures on the field.

The drama peaked at the end of the Asia Cup final, when the presentation ceremony began an hour late. The delay was caused by India’s refusal to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president and chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Due to this, the Indian team celebrated the triumph without the silverware with skipper Suryakumar Yadav mimicking the trophy in his hands.

READ: BCCI official says ‘no assurance’ of handshake in India–Pakistan Women’s WC clash

AB de Villiers names THIS Pakistani player in his Top Five cricketers’ list

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has named former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif among the top five cricketers he faced during his international career.

During a recent podcast appearance, the former South African captain was asked to reveal the top five best cricketers he played with or against during his career.

De Villiers listed his compatriot Jacques Kallis, England’s Andrew Flintoff, Australia’s Shane Warne, India’s Sachin Tendulkar, and Asif as the players who made the deepest impression on him during his career.

Surprisingly, the list did not include his long-time teammate and close friend, Virat Kohli, from the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

When reminded by England spinner Adil Rashid about not including Kohli, de Villiers admitted the omission but explained why Tendulkar edged out India’s modern-day great.

“Kallis, Flintoff, Mohammad Asif, Warne, and Sachin with the crowds,” he said.

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“The way he (Sachin) was received when he walked out to bat, everything would come to a standstill. Beautiful to watch him bat. Virat, sorry, Sachin. That’s why such questions are so tough to answer.”

The former Proteas batter, regarded as one of the most innovative players of his era, also elaborated on why these names stood out.

“Kallis is probably the greatest all-rounder, if not the greatest cricketer of all time. Asif was the best seamer I ever faced,” he added.

“Warne, I loved playing against him, not because he was easy but because of his presence, the floppy hat, zinc cream, the blonde hair, the aura.

“Flintoff was a big-match guy, and that yorker to Kallis at Edgbaston is still the best I’ve ever seen.”

AB De Villiers himself is celebrated as one of the finest batsmen of modern cricket, having scored over 20,000 international runs across formats at remarkable averages, 50.66 in 114 Tests and 53.50 in 228 ODIs.

READ: Marcus Stoinis returns as Australia announce squad for New Zealand T20Is

AB de Villiers recalls last-ball chat with Dale Steyn in 2015 semi-final

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers opened up on the 2015 World Cup nerve-wracking semi-final against New Zealand, reflecting on the chat with pacer Dale Steyn before the final ball of the match.

Back in 2015, New Zealand defeated South Africa by four wickets with just one ball to spare to set up the final with Australia.

Speaking on the Beard Before Wicket Podcast, AB de Villiers reflected on the key moments, pressure, and the crowd at Eden Park during that semi-final

“We had so many chances to win that semi and I think we had Aussiey’s number in that final,” he said.

“Never know now, but we beat them quite a few times leading up to that. So, we had a bit of a mental edge, and I was incredibly excited to go and face them in the final, which obviously never happened, ” he lamented.

He also recalled the noisy crowd that day and the impact on South Africa while rueing the dropped chances.

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“That day at Eden Park, one of the hardest challenges of my life. It was so loud. They [the crowd] did well to sort of intimidate us. I thought we played well, played a good game of cricket, just fumbled a couple in the field, and it is what it is now,” revealed De Villiers.

The batting maestro highlighted the pivotal moment before the final ball, revealing a chat with Dale Steyn.

“I had told Dale,’ You get that natural away shape, go hard length, cross seam, just fire it in, beat the bat,” he said.

“Looking back now, maybe a yorker. But at the time, I honestly thought that was the right plan. Hard length, he can hit it straight up, you’ve got him. And he pulled it off.”

Following that ball, De Villiers and the South Africa players became emotional and were seen lying on the ground.

“That’s why I dropped to my knees, because I immediately felt like, it’s on me. And that’s what you feel like—you know, that’s how we play the game, that’s how you want sportsmen to play: to put everything on the line and feel like you’ve got everything to lose,” he concluded.

READ: Former captain comments on Babar Azam’s match-winning ability

AB de Villiers hints at possible return to IPL

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has hinted at a possible return to the Indian Premier League (IPL), though in a non-playing capacity, with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

The 41-year-old, who retired from all forms of cricket in 2021, expressed his willingness to take up a coaching or mentoring role with his former franchise team in the future.

While ruling out a full-fledged professional comeback, de Villiers admitted that his connection with RCB remains unshakable.

“I might be involved with the IPL again in the future in a different role, but committing to a full season in a professional capacity is really tricky, and I believe those days are done,” he said.

“That said, you never say never. My heart is with RCB and always will be. So, if the franchise feels there’s a role for me, when my time is right and ready, it will definitely be RCB.”

Having represented the franchise for over a decade, AB de Villiers remains one of the most celebrated figures in IPL history.

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He began his IPL journey with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2008 before moving to RCB in 2011, where he went on to play 157 matches.

He scored 4,522 runs at an average of 41.10 and an explosive strike rate of 158.33, including two centuries and 37 half-centuries.

One of his most memorable campaigns came in 2016 when he smashed 687 runs and combined with Virat Kohli for a record 229-run stand against Gujarat Lions, still the highest-ever partnership for the second wicket in IPL history.

Overall, de Villiers featured in 184 IPL matches across two franchises, scoring 5,162 runs at a strike rate of 151.68 with three centuries and 40 fifties.

In recognition of his impact, RCB inducted him into their Hall of Fame in 2022 alongside Chris Gayle.

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AB de Villiers questions THIS player’s exclusion from India’s Asia Cup squad

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has questioned the exclusion of star batter Shreyas Iyer from India’s squad for the ACC Asia Cup 2025.

Last week, India’s men’s selection committee announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025.

However, the exclusion of Iyer raised eyebrows, especially considering his outstanding performance in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), where he scored 604 runs at an average of 50.33 and an impressive strike rate of 175.07.

AB de Villiers has recently spoken out, expressing his surprise at Iyer’s exclusion from the team. He articulated his confusion over the decision to overlook a player of such remarkable talent and potential.

During an interview with Indian media, de Villiers emphasized that Iyer’s maturity, steady progression in his career, and impressive leadership abilities should have made him a natural choice for selection.

“Of course, it’s weird to me, a quality player like that not making the starting squad for Team India, especially with the leadership qualities he’s bringing,” he stated.

“I have no idea, to be honest. If there’s a 50-50 call, you would always lean towards the guy that you feel will bring the best out in other players.”

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The former captain of the South African cricket team suggested that various factors outside of the game might have influenced the selectors’ final decision.

“He’s matured a lot. He has demonstrated many leadership qualities, but who knows what is happening behind closed doors? Maybe, not even Shreyas knows,” he further added.

“There might be a few things that have taken place over the years that have determined why he’s not the flavour of the month for a certain tournament. He’s a quality player. He’ll be in my team more often than not.”

The Asia Cup 2025 will begin on September 9 with Afghanistan taking on Hong Kong in the opening fixture.

India are placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, hosts UAE, and Oman.

They open their campaign against the UAE on September 10 in Dubai, before locking horns with Pakistan on September 14 in one of the tournament’s most-anticipated clashes.

Their final group stage match against Oman is scheduled for September 19 in Abu Dhabi.

India’s squad for Asia Cup 2025: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson.

Reserves: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal.

READ: PCB addresses speculation on Rizwan, Shan Masood’s captaincy future

Glenn Maxwell hails Dewald Brevis as South Africa’s next AB de Villiers

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has heaped praise on young South African batter Dewald Brevis, widely known as “Baby AB,” drawing parallels with the legendary AB de Villiers.

Brevis, 22, has long carried the tag since his Under-19 days, but his recent exploits are now matching the hype.

In the second T20I against Australia, he smashed an unbeaten 125 off just 56 deliveries, laced with 12 fours and eight sixes, at a strike rate of 223. The innings lifted South Africa to 218 for 7 and sealed a 53-run victory.

That knock also propelled him up the ICC T20I rankings, where he jumped 80 spots to 21st with a career-best 614 rating points.

Speaking to Australian media, Glenn Maxwell acknowledged that while the nickname was flattering, it came with extra baggage.

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“It’s a pretty heavy burden he had to bear early in his career. He probably got fast-tracked a little bit into the South African side,” said Maxwell.

“He’s gone away, worked on his game, and he’s come back playing beautifully. His bat swing is really pure; he’s hard to stop when he gets going.”

Notably, Dewald Brevis has been equally impressive in franchise cricket. After a quiet stint with the Mumbai Indians, he joined the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025 as an injury replacement for INR 2.2 crore.

He quickly made an impact, scoring 225 runs in six games at a strike rate of 180, including two half-centuries.

So far, Brevis has represented South Africa in two Tests and 10 T20Is. With his current form, he is now in strong contention for the upcoming ODI series against Australia, which begins on August 19.

READ: Mohsin Naqvi assures full support for Pakistan hockey team’s Pro League participation

WATCH: AB de Villiers takes stunning catch to send Chris Lynn packing in WCL 2025

BIRMINGHAM: AB de Villiers left fans stunned with an outstanding catch during the semi-final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 against Australia Champions here at Edgbaston on Thursday.

The 41-year-old De Villiers, who had a wonderful time with the bat during WCL 2025, failed to put up a decent show in the semi-final, getting dismissed early for just six runs in the crucial semi-final.

However, he turned back the clock with an acrobatic piece of fielding to send Chris Lynn packing, which proved to be a crucial breakthrough for the South Africa Champions.

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Australia Champions were cruising at 45 after 4.3 overs until Lynn’s removal. He made 35 from 20 balls, aided by four sixes and a boundary.

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In the final over of the semi-final, AB de Villiers once again demonstrated his outstanding fielding. The game eventually turned out to be a cliffhanger with Australia Champions needing 14 runs off the last over to seal a spot in the WCL 2025 final.

Rob Quiney struck Wayne Parnell for a six on the first ball of the over to balance the equation; however, he and Christian both failed to manage to hit a boundary on the next few balls.

As a result, chasing a 187-run target, Australia Champions fell one run short, scoring 185-7 in their 20 overs with Daniel Christian top-scoring with 49* runs.

For South Africa Champions, Wayne Parnell and Hardus Viljoen picked up two wickets each.

South Africa Champions will now face the runners-up of the last edition, Pakistan Champions, in the WCL 2025 final.

READ: South Africa edge Australia in last-ball thriller to set up WCL final with Pakistan

AB de Villiers’ hits century as South Africa thrash Australia in WCL 2025

LEEDS: AB de Villiers sublime century and all-round bowling performance powered South Africa Champions to a massive 95-run victory over Australia Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025.

Chasing a daunting target of 242 runs in the 12th fixture of the tournament, the Australia Champions were bundled out for 146 runs in 16.4 overs here on Sunday at the Headingley Cricket Ground.

With half of the team back in the pavilion within the first six overs, it was always an uphill task for Australia to chase down a massive total.

After putting up an extravagant batting display, the Proteas bowlers starred with the ball. Imran Tahir removed dangerous Chris Lynn for a nought on the first ball of the opening over.

Shaun Marsh looked fluent for his 18 off 13 deliveries, crisping four boundaries before getting caught in the third over. D Arcy Short (13) and Daniel Christian were out for a golden duck on successive deliveries as Australia were reduced to 32-4.

However, Ben Dunk and Callum Ferguson partnered and forged a brief partnership for the fifth wicket, which brought the score to 61-5.

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Aaron Phangiso broke the partnership for South Africa Champions, removing Dunk (15), which halted Australia Champions’ progress.

The wicket triggered a mini collapse, resulting in quick wickets as the Australia Champions were reduced to 67-8 in 9.2 overs.

However, Ben Cutting and Peter Siddle crafted a 79-run partnership for the ninth wicket, demonstrating Aussie grit to take the total near 150 runs, but victory was far away as Australia’s Champions innings folded in the 17th over with the removal of Steve O’Keefe for a golden duck.

Peter Siddle valiantly scored 19 off 17, featuring two fours, whereas Ben Cutting top-scored and made 59* off 29 deliveries, striking four sixes and six fours.

For the South Africa Champions, Aaron Phangiso starred with the ball, scalping four wickets. Imran Tahir was equally good, claiming three wickets in four overs.

Earlier, South Africa Champions posted an imposing 241-run total against Australia Champions for the loss of six wickets in their allocated 20 overs.

The Proteas openers put on a massive 187-run stand peppered with boundaries in just 13.3 overs. AB de Villiers played as the core aggressor, whereas JJ Smuts played the second fiddle.

The first six overs saw rain-boundaries all around the park as the Rainbow Nation scored 78 runs. After the fielding restrictions were lifted, South Africa continued the charge with 41-year-old De Villiers reaching his half-century on just 20 balls.

Meanwhile, JJ Smuts also accelerated and scored his fifty in the 12th over as South Africa brought the score to 160. In the next over, AB de Villiers took Darcy Short to the cleaners, accumulating 22 runs off the over and reaching his second consecutive ton in style.

Eventually, De Villiers was out in the 13th over after scoring 123 runs from just 46 balls, laced with eight towering sixes and 15 fours.

However, the Australia Champions fought back at the end of the innings with quick wickets to restrict the South Africa Champions below 250, which had looked easy at one stage of the innings.

JJ Smuts’ prolific innings of 85 off 53 balls was laced with three sixes and 10 fours.

For Australia Champions, Peter Siddle was the pick of the bowlers, picking up three wickets in his quota of four overs.

Earlier, South Africa skipper Aaron Phangiso won the toss and decided to bat first. The Proteas have De Villiers back in their side after missing out on their encounter against the Pakistan Champions.

Playing XIs

Australia Champions

Shaun Marsh, Chris Lynn, D Arcy Short, Ben Dunk(w), Callum Ferguson, Ben Cutting, Daniel Christian, John Hastings, Steve O’Keefe, Brett Lee(c), Peter Siddle

South Africa Champions

AB de Villiers, Henry Davids, JJ Smuts, Sarel Erwee, Jacques Rudolph, Jean-Paul Duminy, Morne van Wyk(w), Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso(c), Hardus Viljoen, Duanne Olivier

READ: WCL 2025: South Africa win toss, bat first against Australia

WCL 2025: AB de Villiers’ sublime century helps South Africa thrash England

LEICESTER: AB de Villiers jaw-dropping century powered South Africa Champions to a massive win over England Champions in the eighth fixture of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 here at Grace Road on Thursday.

Chasing a modest target of 153 runs, the South Africa Champions secured victory effortlessly in just 12.2 overs.

In pursuit of the target, South Africa’s Champions De Villiers piled on misery on English bowlers.

He forged an unbeaten 153-run partnership with Hashim Amla to lead his home team in a stellar chase. The right-hander was the primary aggressor while Amla played a supportive role.

The Proteas scored 80 runs by the end of the powerplay, helped by a 21-run over from Liam Plunkett. De Villiers reached his half-century in just 19 balls, while Hashim Amla played cautiously, scoring 14 runs off 17 balls.

The 41-year-old continued to take on England bowlers to the cleaners with South Africa Champions scoring 128 at the halfway mark of the innings. He reached his century off 41 balls with a single on the second ball of the 10th over.

With victory evident, De Villiers continued to charge the bowlers, eventually resulting in an emphatic statement victory for the South African champions.

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AB de Villiers scored 116 runs off just 51 balls, hitting seven sixes and 15 fours. The right-handed batter’s explosive innings was so remarkable that in his 153-run partnership, Hashim Amla could only manage 29 runs off 25 balls.

Earlier, the England Champions set the South Africa Champions a target of 153 runs, thanks to the South Africa Champions’ clinical bowling effort.

For England Champions, Phil Mustard top-scored with 39 off 33 balls with the aid of three fours and a six, whereas skipper Eoin Morgan made 20 from 14 balls, striking two fours and a maximum.

For the South Africa Champions, Imran Tahir and Wayne Parnell took wickets each.

The ongoing WCL 2025 is contested across four English venues: Edgbaston (Birmingham), County Ground (Northampton), Grace Road (Leicester), and Headingley (Leeds).

Six teams, India, Pakistan, Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies, will face off in a round-robin format, with the top four teams qualifying for the WCL 2025 semi-finals.

The ongoing WCL 2025 marks the second installment of the tournament, following the inaugural tournament held in 2024, where the Indian team, led by the legendary Yuvraj Singh, emerged as champions.

Playing XIs

England: Phil Mustard (wk), Ian Bell, Eoin Morgan (c), Moeen Ali, Ravi Bopara, Tim Ambrose, Samit Patel, Liam Plunkett, Ajmal Shahzad, Stuart Meaker, Dimitri Mascarenhas

South Africa: Jacques Rudolph, Sarel Erwee, AB de Villiers (c), Jean-Paul Duminy, JJ Smuts, Morne van Wyk (wk), Wayne Parnell, Chris Morris, Hardus Viljoen, Duanne Olivier, Imran Tahir

READ: Salman Ali Agha hails team effort after dominant win against Bangladesh