5 factors that might have influenced AB de Villiers’ shocking retirement 

#1 South Africa’s poor international schedule

South Africa's international schedule has not been too competitive

South Africa’s lacklustre international schedule could have been another reason behind de Villiers’ retirement plans. For example, they play Sri Lanka and Pakistan this year, teams de Villiers doesn’t have much to prove against.

Big ticket series are few for South Africa. He would thus have thought it better to call it a day, rather than facing the rigours of travelling and playing weaker teams. de Villiers added in his video message that he has "no plans" to play overseas, and will continue to be available for domestic cricket in South Africa.