\n<\/p>\n
South Africa batter Heinrich Klaasen has retired from the international game. <\/b><\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
He last played for South Africa in their defeat against New Zealand in the semi-final of the Champions Trophy in March. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“It was truly a very difficult decision but also one that I have absolute peace with.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Klaasen was not included on Cricket South Africa’s list of centrally contracted players, external<\/span><\/a> when they were announced in April, having previously been on a white-ball only deal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n