New Delhi: One of the greatest pacers to have played the game of cricket, Dale Steyn, on Tuesday announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The veteran officially announced his retirement on Twitter. In a very emotional post, he thanked his teammates, all the fans, his family and journalists for all the love and support over the years.
The veteran continued to play white-ball cricket after announcing retirement from the longest format of the game (Test cricket) in 2019.
"And it's been a long December and there is reason to believe, maybe this year will be better than the last. I cannot remember all the times I tried to tell myself to hold on to these moments as they pass," said Steyn in an official statement.
"It has been 20 years of training, matches, travel, wins, losses, strapped feet, jet lag, joy, and brotherhood. There are too many memories to tell. Too many faces to thank. So I left it to the experts, to sum up, my favourite band, the Counting Crows," he added.
Further in his statement, Steyn said: "Today I officially retire from the game I love the most, bittersweet but grateful. Thank you to everyone, from family to teammates, journalists to fans, it has been an incredible journey together."
The veteran Proteas speedster bagged 635 wickets in international cricket for South Africa. He took 435 wickets in Tests, 196 in ODIs and 64 wickets in T20s.
Over the course of his career, Steyn represented SunRisers Hyderabad, Deccan Chargers, Gujarat Lions and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).