South African wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen has retired from international cricket. The 33-year-old, known for his aggressive middle-order batting and consistent white-ball performances, said he made the decision to retire so he could spend more quality time with his family.
“It is a sad day for me as I announce that I have decided to step away from international cricket and took me a long time to decide what’s best for me and my family for the future. It was truly a very difficult decision but also one that I have absolute peace with,” Klaasen wrote on Instagram on Monday.
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Klaasen had earlier walked away from Test cricket following only four games in order to prioritize his ODI and T20I duties. His last South African appearance was in the semi-final of the 2025 Champions Trophy when the Proteas fell to New Zealand.
A Career Built on Power and Precision
Klaasen played his international debut in 2018 and subsequently played 60 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 58 T20 Internationals (T20Is) for South Africa. He had scored 2,141 runs in ODIs, including four centuries and 11 half-centuries. In the shortest format, he had scored 1,000 runs, including five fifties.
Most celebrated for his six-hitting abilities and nerves of steel, Klaasen was also a central player in the South African team that was runners-up in the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup.
“From the very first day, it was the greatest privilege to be playing for my country, and it was all that I had worked towards and dreamed of as a young lad. To have worn the Proteas badge on my chest was and will always remain the greatest honour in my career,” he penned.
Farewell to a Fan-Favourite
In his goodbye message, Klaasen thanked teammates, coaches, and the public. “Playing for the Proteas provided me with a chance to associate with great individuals who transformed my life… My journey in wearing the Proteas jersey was unique compared to most, and some coaches in my career never lost faith in me – to them I will be eternally grateful,” he added.
