Heinrich Klaasen: Big-hitting SA batter retires from international cricket

South African batter Heinrich Klaasen has announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 33, bringing an end to a career that saw him emerge as one of the most powerful middle-order hitters in the white-ball format.

Klaasen, who will continue to feature in franchise leagues globally, confirmed his decision via a statement shared on social media, saying it was a difficult but considered choice for the future of his family and career.

“It’s a sad day for me,” he wrote.

"It took me a long time to decide what's best for me and my family for the future."

Klaasen said, "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."

The wicketkeeper-batter made his international debut in 2018 and went on to play 60 ODIs and 58 T20 Internationals.

He featured in four Test matches, starting with his debut against India in 2019. His final appearance for South Africa came in the semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy in March, where they were defeated by New Zealand.

Although not part of Cricket South Africa’s latest list of centrally contracted players announced in April, Klaasen had previously held a white-ball contract.