Brendon McCullum, the heartthrob of New Zealand cricket, announced his decision to retire from all forms of international cricket a few hours ago. McCullum, who has undoubtedly been New Zealand’s most aggressive and dynamic captain, said that the home series against Australia would be his final outing in international cricket. McCullum has not just made cricket in New Zealand proud, but the brutal batsman has been a global icon and has enhanced the reputation of cricket as a whole. The sport will surely not be the same without him.

People and fans took to Twitter to pay their regards to McCullum after he announced his decision to retire.

Below, are some of the tweets:

Brendon McCullum has been good for cricket and he has enriched it. In doing so he has raised the esteem his country’s cricket is held in.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 22, 2015

Another champion bids adieu to cricket! Thank you Brendon McCullum for making us fall in love with cricket! #AbsoluteLegend #Legend

— Krishna Chopra (@krishnachopra05) December 22, 2015

Our CMJ Spirit of Cricket winner to retire. International cricket will be poorer without Brendon #McCullum pic.twitter.com/u89a4XeiDy

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) December 22, 2015

Brendon Mccullum played 99 tests and didn’t miss even one 🙂 Congrats on a wonderful career ! Baz Era Ends _/\_ #AlwaysRemembered #ThanksBaz

— ViGnEsH HaRi【2.0】 (@vigneshhari1) December 22, 2015

Brendon McCullum, who holds records for most runs (2140), Most 100s (2), Most 50s (13), Most 6s (91) in T20i, will retire before World T20.

— Shahzad Tirmizi Syed (@shahzadtirmizi) December 22, 2015

Would love to see Brendon McCullum in T20 WC but I respect his decision . #McCullamRetires #NZCricket

— Muhammad Wasim (@MuhammadWasim77) December 22, 2015

Brendon McCullum and his band of merry men pretty much redefined the way to play test cricket. Hope NZ carry on in the same vein.

— Gappistan Radio (@GappistanRadio) December 22, 2015

Brendon McCullum announces retirement from international cricket.NZ cricket will find it difficult to fill in the column left by him.

— KitCloudWala (@adreaniline_) December 22, 2015

Many cricketers even think about retirement after WC, and Brendon Mccullum Will retire just before the WC. NEVER EVER SELFISH. #RESPECT

— RUCHA (@rucha_54) December 22, 2015

Congratulations Brendon McCullum, a great role model & game changer as a batsman & captain. #McCullumRetirement @BLACKCAPS

— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) December 22, 2015