Ash Barty retirement ‘a weird one to explain’ according to cricket legend

Former South African ODI captain AB de Villiers has labelled the retirement of Ash Barty as “a weird one to explain” as believing it is “an incredible age to retire.”

In March, following her latest Grand Slam victory in Australia, Barty announced her retirement which shocked the sporting world.

Since her surprising retirement, there has been lots of speculation of what Ash Barty’s next career move will be, both in and outside the sporting world.

Last month, the 25-year-old announced her first career move away from the sporting world as she is set to publish a series of children’s books, as well as a memoir.

Whereas in the sporting arena it is believed that Barty may pursue a career as a professional golfer as the three-time Slam champion announced she will play a series of golf exhibition tournaments which will feature 23 other sporting celebrities, including the likes of football manager Pep Guardiola and former Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps.

Another celebrity expected to compete in the event is the 2013 and 2014 ODI Batsmen of the year, AB de Villiers.

The South African sporting legend has had a very different career path to Barty’s with the former Proteas Test captain competing on the international cricketing stage for almost 15 years before hanging up his gloves in 2018 at the age of 34.

The two already know each other from the brief spell Barty had playing in Australia’s Big Bash League for Brisbane Heat, and are to be reunited as they are set team up at the Icon series next month.

When asked about the retirement of Ash Barty, AB de Villiers said in a recent interview that it was a “weird” decision but “respects her decision.”

“It is a weird one to explain. I think the best answer is that every person has their own way of maneuvering through their career, some as long as possible.

“The whole world respects her decision, I would like to think stepping away can be a relief but it is an incredible age to retire.”

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