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Heinrich Klaasen Retires from International Cricket to Prioritise Family and Franchise Career

The move ends a seven-year white-ball career after his omission from Cricket South Africa's 2025–26 central contracts.

Cricket - ICC Men's Champions Trophy - Semi Final - South Africa v New Zealand - Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan - March 5, 2025 South Africa's Heinrich Klaasen walks back to the pavilion after losing his wicket, caught out by New Zealand's Matt Henry off the bowling of Mitchell Santner REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro/File Photo
Heinrich Klaasen's retirement is the second retirement of the day
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Overview

  • Klaasen announced his immediate retirement via Instagram, calling it a “very difficult decision” that he has made with “absolute peace.”
  • He finishes with 122 international appearances—4 Tests, 60 ODIs and 58 T20Is—amassing 2,141 ODI runs at a 43.69 average and 1,000 T20I runs at a 141.84 strike rate.
  • His standout innings include an unbeaten 174 off 83 balls against Australia at SuperSport Park in 2023, the highest ODI score by a No. 5 batter.
  • Cricket South Africa’s Enoch Nkwe and CEO Pholetsi Moseki paid tribute to his transparency and match-winning impact, wishing him well in franchise leagues.
  • His departure removes one of South Africa’s leading power hitters from the Proteas setup ahead of the 2027 World Cup.