AB de Villiers announces return to cricket

Former South African cricket captain AB de Villiers has confirmed his return to the field after nearly four years, announcing that he will lead the South Africa Champions in the upcoming World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025.

The WCL, a premier T20 tournament featuring retired and non-contracted cricket legends, will be the stage for de Villiers' highly anticipated comeback.

De Villiers, who retired from all formats of the game in 2021, revealed that his decision to return was inspired by his young sons' growing interest in cricket. "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," said de Villiers.

"We’ve been playing more and more often in the garden, and it feels as though some kind of flame has been lit again."

De Villiers’ return to the cricket field has generated excitement among fans, eager to see the versatile batsman back in action.

He will lead the Game Changers South Africa Champions in the second edition of the WCL, which is scheduled to take place in July 2025.

The South Africa Champions team, which featured cricketing legends such as Jacques Kallis, Herschelle Gibbs, Dale Steyn, and Imran Tahir in the inaugural season, is expected to benefit greatly from de Villiers' leadership.

Amandeep Singh, co-owner of South Africa Champions and founder of Game Changers, expressed his enthusiasm for de Villiers’ return, stating, “We are honored to compete in the World Championship of Legends, and AB de Villiers’ return as our captain is a monumental boost for our team."

Harry Singh, co-owner of South Africa Champions, also shared his excitement, saying, “AB de Villiers is not just a player; he’s an icon who has inspired millions. His leadership will undoubtedly inspire our team to new heights, and we’re thrilled to have him on board.”

The second edition of the WCL follows a thrilling inaugural season that concluded with a memorable final between India and Pakistan, where India emerged victorious.

The league continues to offer a unique platform for retired and non-contracted players to showcase their skills while providing fans with an opportunity to witness some of the sport's greatest legends in action.

The WCL 2025 is set to take place in July, and with de Villiers’ return, expectations for the tournament are higher than ever.