Heinrich Klaasen announces international cricket retirement at 33: 'Look forward to spending more time with family'

South African batter Heinrich Klaasen was known for his hard-hitting skills and ability to smash spin bowling. He has retired from international cricket at the age of 33. read more

Heinrich Klaasen had quit Test cricket in 2024 and has now retired from white-ball cricket. Image: Reuters

Heinrich Klaasen has announced his immediate retirement from international cricket, drawing the curtain on a distinguished seven-year stint with the Proteas. The 33-year-old confirmed on Monday that he is stepping away from white-ball cricket, having already retired from the red-ball format in 2024.

Klaasen made his ODI and T20I debuts in 2018 and quickly rose to prominence as one of the most explosive white-ball batters of his generation. In 60 ODIs, he scored over 2,000 runs at an average just shy of 44, anchoring South Africa’s middle order. His career-best 174 against Australia at SuperSport Park in 2023 — the second-highest score by a number five — remains a standout performance.

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Spin-destroyer Klaasen retires from international cricket

A known destroyer of spin, Klaasen also featured in 58 T20Is, striking at an impressive 141.84. His blend of composure and controlled aggression made him a vital figure in South Africa’s limited-overs setup.

“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,” Klaasen wrote on Instagram.

“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."

Interestingly, Klaasen’s retirement came on the same day Glenn Maxwell retired from ODIs .

Klaasen looks forward to spending more time with family

In his statement announcing international retirement, Klaasen said that playing for South Africa will always be the “biggest honour” in his career.

“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,” he wrote.

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