Heinrich Klaasen calls time on red-ball career, Proteas batter prioritizes white-ball future

South African wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen has announced his retirement from first-class cricket with immediate effect. The 32-year-old has decided after playing just four Tests for his country, the last of which came in March 2023 against the West Indies.

Klaasen‘s decision to focus on white-ball cricket comes as a surprise to many, given his impressive numbers in the longer format. He averaged 46.09 in 85 first-class matches, with a highest score of 292. He was also a reliable wicketkeeper behind the stumps, taking 272 catches and 23 stumpings.

In a statement which was released on his social media, Klaasen wrote: “After a few sleepless nights wondering if I am making the right decision, I have decided to retire from red-ball cricket. It’s a difficult decision that I have made because it is by far my favourite format of the game,” Klaasen said. “The battles that I faced on and off the field have made me the cricketer I am today. It has been a great journey and I am glad I could have represented my country. My baggy Test cap is the most precious cap I have ever been handed. Thanks to everyone who has played a part in my red-ball career and shaped me into the cricketer I am today. For now, a new challenge awaits and I am looking forward to it.

Klaasen’s decision to retire from first-class cricket has been met with mixed reactions. Some have praised his decision to focus on the format where he is most successful, while others have expressed disappointment that he will no longer be playing Test cricket as he was in the race to take on the wicketkeeper’s position which is currently held by Kyle Verreynne.

SA20 on the radar

South Africa’s franchise T20 competition, SA20 is due to start on January 10 and Klassen will be seen in the colours of the Durban Supergiants. Last year, Klassen had a superb run as he scored 363 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 164.25, including a 44-ball 104. Unfortunately for him, Durban failed to progress to the semi-finals. However, his good form continued throughout the year as he scored plenty of runs in the IPL as well as the ODI World Cup. The Supergiants will hope that he carries on similarly and steers them to the knockout stages of the tournament.