Cricketing greats wished Hashim Amla after SA opener called it quits

Cape Town: South Africa batting great Hashim Amla on Thursday hanged up his boots from all forms of international cricket. Amla in his tweet said, "I learnt many lessons during this incredible ride, made many friends and most importantly shared in the love of a brotherhood called #proteafire."

However, he will continue to play domestic cricket as well as the Mzansi Super League. 

Amla scored 9,282 runs in 124 Tests at an average of 46.64. While in ODIs he has 8113 runs from 178 innings at an average  of 49.5. He went past the milestone of 8,000 runs during the World Cup. In T20 also Amla went on to contribute 1,277 runs from 44 matches with an average of 33.60.

The South African batsman also holds the record for being the fastest ever to 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000, 6 000 and 7 000 ODI runs. He also became the fastest cricketer to reach 10 ODI centuries.He was named SA Cricketer of the Year in 2010 and again in 2013.He has previously represented Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League, Barbados Tridents in the Caribbean Premier League and Durham Heat in the Mzansi Super League.

A true legend & a great human being' tributes pour in for Hashim Amla

The International Cricket Council (ICC) in a tweet massage said, "The most ODI hundreds by a South African. The only Test triple hundred by a South African.One of 10 players to top the @MRFWorldwide Test & ODI Batting Rankings simultaneously. The fastest to 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, and 7000 ODI runsThank you, @amlahash."

Cricket South Africa (CSA) tweeted, " He has made South Africa's only Test triple century to date and has made the highest Test scores for his country against England, India and the West Indies and the highest against Australia in the post-unity period.#ThankYouHash#ProteaFire#AmlaRetires."

"In an international career that was spread over 15 years he played 349 matches across the three formats for the Standard Bank Proteas, making more than 18 000 runs, including 55 centuries and 88 other scores in excess of 50. #ThankYouHash," CSA said.

Amla was also a prolific batsman in ODIs, where he was the fastest to every 1000-run landmark between 2000 and 7000.In another tweet CSA said, " His ODI career was equally successful as he was ranked among the best batsmen in this format for an extended period 

of time for much of that period having an average in excess of 50 and a strike rate of 100. #AmlaRetires #ThankYouHash #ProteaFire."

Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan in his tweet massage said, " First time I played against @amlahash was in u-19 World Cup in New Zealand.showed the glimpseof his class by playing an outstanding inning against us,surely he finished hisinternational career by being one of the greats of South African cricket. Happy#retirement brother #amla."

Former Pakistani  cricketer Shoaib Akhtar in his tweet said, "The great #HashimAmla has surprised the world with his announcement to retire from all forms of cricket, what a legend & what a great human being & great brand ambassador of the game respect to you wish you best of luck."

Saqlain Mushtaq tweeted, " Congratulations @amlahash on such a wonderful career. A True legend and a great human. Best Wishes & Prayers for the future."

Azhar Mahmood said, " An end of an era - spectacular career and an amazing cricketer but an even better human being @amlahash - bhai wishing you the very best journey ahead InshAllah."

Former South Africa cricketer Robin John Peterson tweeted, "Morals, respect, hard work, dedication , family man , team player , faith are the stats I will remember and tell kids about forever. One of the very best to play this beautiful game. The silent WARRIOR @amlahash - love you bro look forward to that chai you're making."

Shaun Pollock said, " 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.

Mark Boucher in his tweet said, "@amlahash respect! No words to describe.#Legend."(UNI)