Heinrich Klaasen announces his retirement from international cricket at 33 in a big shocking move

Heinrich Klaasen represented South Africa in 4 tests, 60 ODIs and 58 T20Is.

South African Cricket Team wicket-keeper batter Heinrich Klaasen left the entire cricket fraternity in shock on Monday (2nd June). The keeper-batter announced his decision to retire from international cricket with immediate effect and made the development public through a social media post. 

Heinrich Klaasen’s decision came days after his stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The keeper-batter retired from international cricket at the age of 33, and this comes as a massive shock, especially with him being in his prime in white-ball cricket. 

Heinrich Klaasen, who is rated as one of the best white-ball players in international cricket, has played a massive role in the success of the South African Cricket Team in the last few years. His absence will now leave a massive void in the team, especially with the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 around the corner. 

Heinrich Klaasen recently proved his prowess in IPL 2025 as he slammed a brutal century for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). With him still being fit and at his peak, it’s fair to say that he still had a lot of years left in him. 

Heinrich Klaasen took to his Instagram account and posted a long message, informing fans about his retirement. The keeper-batter highlighted that the decision wasn’t easy for him, but he had to make the call for his family. He 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 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.” 

I look forward to spending more time with my family as this decision will allow me to do so – Heinrich Klaasen

Klaasen also shared his experience playing international cricket, saying that he will be grateful to all those who supported him in his journey. He added: 

“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.” 

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A post shared by Heinrich Klaasen (@heinie45)

Klaasen featured in 60 ODIs for South Africa, slamming 2141 runs at an average of 43.69 to go with four centuries and 11 fifties. He also mustered 1000 runs in T20Is at a strike rate of over 141, hitting five fifties. The keeper-batter also played four tests, amassing 104 runs.

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