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South Africa’s explosive middle-order batter and wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen has announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect.
The 33-year-old made the announcement via Instagram, calling it a “sad day” as he steps away from the international game.
“It is a sad day for me as I announce that I have decided to step away from international cricket,” Klaasen wrote.
“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.
“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.
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“I have made great friendships and relationships that I will treasure for life. Playing for the Proteas gave me the opportunity to meet great people that changed my life, and to those people I can’t say thank you enough.
“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.
“To have played with the Proteas badge on my chest was and will always be the biggest honour 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.”
Klaasen made his international debut in 2018 during an ODI series against India and went on to represent South Africa in all three formats — four Tests, 60 ODIs, and 58 T20Is over a seven-year career.
ODIs proved to be his strongest format, where he amassed 2,141 runs at an impressive average of 43.69 and a blazing strike rate of 117.05. His record includes four centuries and 11 half-centuries.
Among his standout performances was the unforgettable 174 off just 83 balls against Australia at Centurion in 2023 — the highest individual score by any batter at No. 5 in ODI history.
In T20Is, Heinrich Klaasen scored 1,000 runs at a strike rate of 141.84 and an average of 23.25, often providing quick runs in the middle order.
