Shocking!! Heinrich Klaasen announces retirement from cricket at 33
Published - 02 Jun 2025, 03:13 PM | Updated - 02 Jun 2025, 04:40 PM
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South Africa National Cricket Team power hitter Heinrich Klaasen has shocked the cricket world with his sudden announcement from international cricket on Monday, June 2. Heinrich Klaasen, who is known for his explosive strokeplay and game-changing knocks, revealed his decision through a heartfelt social media post.
However, the destructive middle-order batter will remain available for the franchise cricket world. In his emotional Instagram post, Klaasen said that it was not an easy decision for him, but he is in absolute peace with it and looking forward to spending time with his young family.
Heinrich Klaasen stuns fans with sudden retirement from international cricket
He shared a picture of himself with his wife and daughter from the 2024 T20 World Cup final along with a single frame in an ODI jersey to announce his retirement from international cricket. He penned a long emotional note, which highlighted he made the call keeping in mind his future and the well-being of his family.
Heinrich Klaasen posted on Instagram, “It is a sad day for me as I announce that I have decided to step away from international cricket. It 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.”
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The 33-year-old wicketkeeper said that representing South Africa was a lifelong dream and the greatest honor of his career. He added, “From the first day, it was the biggest privilege representing my country, and it was everything that I have worked for and dreamed about as a young boy.”
Reflecting on his cricket journey with gratitude, the right-handed batter said that he built lifelong friendships and meaningful connections through the game that he will “treasure for life.” Klaasen further noted that representing South Africa gave him the chance to meet great people that changed his life.
Heinrich Klaasen says representing South Africa was his biggest honour
The Proteas batter has also expressed deep appreciation for the coaches who supported and believed in him throughout his career. He further wrote in his Insta post, “My road to wearing the Proteas shirt was different than most, and there were certain coaches in my career that kept believing in me—to them I will always be grateful.”
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The SRH star ended his message by calling it the greatest honor of his life to play for South Africa. Heinrich is now looking forward to spending more time with his family. He also thanked everyone for supporting him and his teammates throughout his career.
Klaasen signed off by saying, “To have played with the Proteas badge on my chest was and will always be the biggest honor in my career. I look forward to spending more time with my family, as this decision will allow me to do so. I will always be a big Proteas supporter and would like to thank everyone that supported me and my teammates during my career.”
Heinrich Klaasen's international journey
Notably, Klaasen made his debut for South Africa in a home white-ball series against India in 2018 and went on to play 4 Tests, 60 ODIs, and 58 T20Is for the country. He has 104 Test runs, 2141 ODI runs, and 1000 T20I runs to his name in the international arena.
The Proteas star has smacked a total of 4 centuries and 16 fifties for South Africa in his career. His last appearance in the national jersey was against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Lahore earlier this year in March.
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