June 2, 2025 – South African wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen stunned cricket fans by announcing his immediate retirement from international cricket, just a day before the IPL 2025 final between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS).
The 33-year-old, known for his explosive batting, made the decision to focus on family and franchise cricket, ending a seven-year international career.
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Klaasen, who played for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2025, delivered a stellar performance, scoring 487 runs in 13 matches at an average of 44.27 and a strike rate of 171.48, including a blistering 105* off 39 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). His second IPL century, scored in just 37 balls, ranks as the joint third-fastest in IPL history. Despite SRH finishing sixth, Klaasen’s power-hitting was a highlight, making his sudden exit from international cricket all the more shocking.
Having debuted in 2018 against India, Klaasen amassed 2,141 runs in 60 ODIs at an average of 43.69, with four centuries and 11 fifties, and 1,000 runs in 58 T20Is at a strike rate of 141.84. His career-best 174 off 83 balls against Australia in 2023 remains a standout.
Klaasen, who retired from Test cricket in January 2024 after four matches, cited family priorities as a key reason for stepping away from ODIs and T20Is. “It was a tough decision, but I have peace with it. Representing South Africa was my greatest honor,” he shared on Instagram, posting a picture with his wife and daughter from the 2024 T20 World Cup final.
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Klaasen’s retirement, following Australia’s Glenn Maxwell’s ODI exit on the same day, leaves a void in South Africa’s middle order. Enoch Nkwe, Cricket South Africa’s director, praised Klaasen’s match-winning ability, saying, “He could change games in moments. We respect his decision and wish him well.” Fans on X expressed disbelief, with one post noting, “Klaasen’s retirement before the IPL final is unbelievable!”
Read more: Arshdeep Singh Urges Punjab Fans to Back PBKS in IPL 2025 Playoffs
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While Klaasen will no longer don the Proteas jersey, he plans to continue playing in T20 leagues like the IPL, SA20, and others, where his spin-hitting prowess and finishing skills remain in high demand.