Heinrich Klaasen Announces Retirement from International Cricket

South African wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen has officially announced his retirement from international cricket on Monday, June 2. The 33-year-old steps away from white-ball formats, having already retired from red-ball cricket in 2024.

In a heartfelt statement, Klaasen said, “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. It was truly a very difficult decision but one that I have complete peace with.”

Reflecting on his journey, Klaasen expressed gratitude: “Representing my country has been the greatest privilege and something I dreamed of since childhood. I’ve built friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. I am forever grateful to the coaches who believed in me and the people who supported me throughout this journey.”

Klaasen made his international debut in 2018 and went on to play 60 ODIs and 58 T20Is. He amassed 2,141 runs in ODIs at an impressive average of 43.69 and a strike rate of 117.05, which included four centuries and 11 half-centuries. His highest ODI score was a blistering 174 against Australia in 2023. In T20Is, he scored 1,000 runs at a strike rate of 141.84, including five fifties, with a top score of 81 against India in 2022.

His final appearances came against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy semifinal (ODI, March 2025) and against Pakistan (T20I, December 2024).

Cricket South Africa's Director of Cricket, Enoch Nkwe, praised Klaasen’s contribution: “Heinrich has been a true match-winner and a key player in our white-ball success. His ability to turn games around in just a few overs made him invaluable. We respect his decision and wish him the very best in the next phase of his life.”

Klaasen concluded by stating he is looking forward to spending more time with his family and will remain a proud supporter of the Proteas.