Heinrich Klaasen retires from Proteas: 'It was the biggest privilege representing my country'

The 33-year-old, who called time on his Test career in 2024, said he would be stepping away from international white-ball formats having played 60 ODIs and 58 T20Is.

He made his ODI and T20I debuts in the home summer of 2018, and went on to establish himself as one of the most destructive white-ball players of his generation. 

Klaasen amassed 2 141 runs in the 50-over format that included four centuries and 11 fifties at a strike-rate of 117.05, his highest score being 174 against Australia at his home ground in Centurion in 2023.

He also scored 1 000 runs in T20Is, striking at a rate of 141.84, with his ability to take on bowling attacks with calculated aggression making him a mainstay in the Proteas' limited-overs setup. 

The decision to retire is not entirely a surprise after he was not announced in CSA's list of nationally contracted players in April as he looks to prioritise playing in T20 leagues around the world.

Klaasen said in a statement: "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 whatâ™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 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."

CSA director of national teams and high performance, Enoch Nkwe said: "Heinrich has been a true match-winner for South Africa. He was a player capable of changing the course of a game in a matter of overs.

"His commitment and impact in the white-ball formats have been immense, and we thank him for his outstanding service to South African cricket.

"He has been transparent with Cricket South Africa throughout the past few months, and we fully respect his decision to retire from international cricket. We wish him continued success in the next chapter of his journey."

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