Exclusive interview with Heinrich Klaasen: 'I'm leaving the national team, not cricket'

Time of India

09-07-2025

South African cricketer Heinrich Klaasen has announced his retirement from international cricket, marking the end of an essential chapter in the life of one of modern cricket's most dynamic batsmen. At 33, he is stepping away from the international stage. Still, he will continue to play in national leagues around the world, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), SA20 and The Hundred in England.
Klaasen played his final match for South Africa in March, facing New Zealand in the semifinal of the Champions Trophy — a fitting end to a prosperous international career. Club action ahead, and star plans to keep playing for at least 3 more years.
Heinrich Klaasen, an ambassador for the betting company 1xBet, shared a message with his fans regarding the decision.
'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,' he wrote in his farewell statement.
Rise to glory
Klaasen made his name as one of the most aggressive batters in world cricket. His powerful shots and ability to shift the game's tempo made him a vital part of the South African national team, especially in recent years.
One of the most memorable moments of Klaasen's career was his phenomenal 174 runs off 83 balls against Australia in Centurion. That innings became one of the greatest in ODI history and perfectly captured Klaasen's style: ruthless, confident, and thrilling to watch. He also played a key role in South Africa's run to the semifinals of the 2023 Cricket World Cup and the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Heinrich's talent shone brightest when the pressure was highest, when the team needed someone to take risks and snatch victory in tight contests. He played in that part of the squad on which everything depended: either you win or you lose — one ball, one moment, one shot.
Why now?
The decision for Klaassen was difficult, but a conscious one. As he explains, personal circumstances played a significant role: 'Just family. Traveling is getting too much at the moment, and I need to put my family first. The older you get, the better you get to know yourself and how to play to your strengths. I have matured nicely, so my game doesn't need much. Got a family to look after, so the motivation is easy,' he stated in a commentary for 1xBet.
This candid confession shows the maturity and priorities of a player who, despite his success, hasn't let the game consume him. Instead, he chooses to balance sport with his personal life.
Recognition and influence
Over the years in the IPL, Klaasen has become an integral part of Sunrisers Hyderabad. In 2024, SRH reached the playoff final, falling just one step short of the trophy, and Heinrich was one of the key architects of that success.
'I have only retired from international cricket, so hopefully there will be a couple more IPL tournaments in the future. IPL is a great tournament and as tough as it gets, so enjoying it at the moment,' says Klaasen.
He also notes that he's particularly inspired by the team's young talents — Abhishek and Nitish — who, in his words, are destined to dominate the game in the future.
Heinrich Klaasen recalls that a particularly significant moment in his career came two seasons ago. Back then, he returned to the Indian Premier League and had an impressive tournament, delivering strong performances with the bat. According to him, that period changed a lot — not just in terms of statistics, but also in how he understood his own role in cricket.
Klaasen admits that the IPL has changed him as a player and also as a person. 'Just being a batter that bowlers didn't like to bowl to, and a guy that played the game hard, but a good guy in the field,' he says. 'Hopefully, I can get young kids to play a brand of cricket similar to mine.' Heinrich does not rule out the possibility that, in the future, when the time comes to end his career, he will stay in cricket as a coach or mentor to pass on his experience to the new generation.
The athlete is an idol for young players from all over the world, but even now, he continues to remember those from whom he learned. Klaasen speaks particularly warmly of David Miller, who he says had the greatest influence on Heinrich's approach to the game.
He advises young players who are just starting out in big cricket not to rush things or try to overreach. The key is to understand yourself and stay true to your principles. 'Don't overdo it, get to know yourself and stay true to yourself, then you will be okay,' is Heinrich's approach.
If given the chance to replay one match in his life, Klaasen would choose his Test debut without a second thought. He recalls: 'Test Debut, I would like to go back and hopefully do better than the first shot, but that's part of life.'
What's next?
One more time, it's worth emphasizing: Klaasen only finishes his career with the national team. At the club level, he still has many challenges ahead. Shortly, he will continue to play in the IPL, as well as in tournaments like the MLC, The Hundred, and SA20.
Stepping away from the international stage will allow Heinrich to spend more time with his family, giving them some of the energy that helped him become an outstanding player. According to a recent fan poll conducted by 1xBet, the South African ranked among the top 5 most popular athletes in the IPL.
Klaasen has won fans' hearts with his dynamic and spectacular playing style. 'He's my idol, and his shots are incredible! Absolute striking power,' one enthusiast wrote. Every time Heinrich steps onto the field, he showcases top-tier skills and the mindset of a true winner. Regardless of team loyalties, cricket lovers unanimously agree: 'Klaasen is a true champion.'
His excellent physical form perfectly complements his natural talent. That's why he is constantly in the spotlight of fans' attention: 'I bet on him because I believe he's the best player right now,' one supporter summed up.
Although there will be no more matches for the national team, Klaasen leaves behind more than just stats — he leaves a legacy of style, spirit, and a voice that will echo for years to come: in stadiums, locker rooms, and the fans' hearts.
When asked how he would like to be remembered, Klaasen answers simply: 'As a good teammate and a highly skilled cricketer.' Fortunately, fans will still have plenty of chances to enjoy his game, just not for the national team anymore.
About 1xBet
1xBet is a globally recognised bookmaker with 18 years in the betting industry. The brand's customers can place bets on thousands of sporting events, with the company's website and app available in 70 languages. The official partner list of 1xBet includes FC Barcelona, LOSC Lille, La Liga, Serie A, European Cricket Network, Durban's Super Giants, and other renowned sports brands and organizations. The company's ambassadors in India are famous cricketer Heinrich Klaasen and actress Urvashi Rautela. The company has repeatedly been a nominee and recipient of prestigious professional honours such as IGA, SBC, G2E Asia, and EGR Nordics Awards.