Former South African cricket captain AB de Villiers has officially confirmed his return to the cricket field after a four-year hiatus, announcing that he will lead the South Africa Champions in the upcoming World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025.
The WCL, a premier T20 tournament showcasing retired and non-contracted cricket legends, will set the stage for de Villiers’ much-anticipated return to competitive cricket.
De Villiers, who retired from all forms of cricket in 2021, shared that his decision was inspired by his young sons’ growing passion for the game. “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,” de Villiers said. “We’ve been playing more and more often in the garden, and it feels as though some kind of flame has been lit again.”
The news of de Villiers’ comeback has ignited excitement among fans and the cricketing community. Known for his incredible versatility and innovative batting, his return adds star power to the tournament and raises expectations for the upcoming edition.
De Villiers will captain the South Africa Champions, a team that included cricketing legends such as Jacques Kallis, Herschelle Gibbs, Dale Steyn, and Imran Tahir in the WCL’s inaugural season. His leadership is expected to bring a new edge to the squad.
Amandeep Singh, co-owner of the South Africa Champions and founder of Game Changers, welcomed the announcement, 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, the team’s co-owner, added, “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 WCL’s inaugural season concluded with an electrifying final between India and Pakistan, where India claimed the championship title. The tournament provides retired and non-contracted players with a unique platform to showcase their skills while offering fans the joy of seeing cricketing legends back in action.
With the WCL 2025 scheduled for July, fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be another thrilling season, now further elevated by the presence of AB de Villiers.
