Klaasen calls time on international career; to continue playing franchise cricket

South Africa batter Heinrich Klaasen has retired from the international game.

The 33-year-old is one of the world’s most destructive middle-order batters and will continue to play franchise cricket around the world.

He last played for South Africa in their defeat against New Zealand in the semi-final of the Champions Trophy in March.

The wicketkeeper-batter made his debuts in both white-ball formats in 2018 and played in 60 one-day internationals and 58 T20s. He played the first of his four Tests against India in 2019.

“It is a sad day for me. It took me a long time to decide what’s best for me and my family for the future,” Klaasen said in a statement on social media.

“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.”

Klaasen is playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League and will represent Manchester Originals in The Hundred this year, having previously been with Oval Invincibles.

Klaasen was not included on Cricket South Africa’s list of centrally contracted players, when they were announced in April, having previously been on a white-ball only deal. (BBC)