South African cricket legend AB de Villiers is gearing up for a remarkable return to cricket, nearly four years after retiring from all formats of the game. The 40-year-old is set to captain the Game Changers South Africa Champions in the second edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL), a tournament celebrating the legacy of cricketing greats. The tournament is tentatively scheduled to kick off on July 18, 2025, marking a nostalgic moment for cricket enthusiasts.

De Villiers, who bid farewell to cricket in 2021, remains a cherished figure in the sport. Known for his extraordinary batting exploits and unmatched versatility, his return to action rekindles memories of his iconic performances during a career that spanned nearly two decades. He joins a star-studded Game Changers squad that featured former Proteas stalwarts such as Jacques Kallis, Herschelle Gibbs, Dale Steyn, and Imran Tahir in the WCL’s inaugural season. De Villiers’ inclusion as captain adds a fresh wave of excitement and leadership.

“We are honoured to compete in the World Championship of Legends and showcase the incredible talent of our cricketing greats. AB de Villiers’ return as our captain is a monumental boost for our team, and his leadership will undoubtedly inspire us to new heights,” Amandeep Singh , Co Owner of South Africa Champions said.

Boasting an illustrious international career, de Villiers amassed 8,765 runs in 114 Tests, 9,577 runs in 228 ODIs, and 1,672 runs in 78 T20Is, earning him a place amongst cricket’s all-time greats. Beyond his exploits for South Africa, de Villiers carved a special bond with Indian cricket fans through his electrifying performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), a franchise where he became a legend.

The WCL offers fans a chance to witness their favourite retired stars in action once again, and with de Villiers at the helm, the Game Changers are set to become one of the tournament’s most-followed teams.