Latest news with #Klaasen
India.com
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Happy Birthday Heinrich Klaasen: Meet His Stunning Wife Sone Martins Who's Been His Rock Off The Field
photoDetails english 2938810 On the special occasion of Heinrich Klaasen's birthday, fans are not only celebrating the South African cricketer's explosive performances but also admiring the unwavering support of his wife, Sone Martins. As Klaasen turns a year older, his recent retirement from international cricket has spotlighted the powerful presence of Martins—his wife, muse, and emotional anchor. A trained radiographer and proud mother, Sone's grace and dedication have played a vital role in Klaasen's journey. From IPL 2024 heroics to personal milestones, the Klaasen-Martins story is a perfect blend of love, strength, and partnership that continues to inspire cricket fans worldwide. Updated:Jul 30, 2025, 08:42 AM IST 1. A Glamorous Muse with a Strong Heart 1 / 11 Sone Martins balances poise and purpose — a trained radiographer and mammographer who supports Klaasen both emotionally and professionally, proving she's more than just a cricket WAG. (Photo Credit: Instagram) 2. Behind Every Century, a Steadfast Partner 2 / 11 From ODI debuts to IPL fireworks, Klaasen credits his stability to Sone's unwavering support, which became even more vital as he handled the highs and lows of his cricketing career. (Photo Credit: Instagram) 3. A Love Story That Predates Stardom 3 / 11 Their bond began in 2019 and culminated in a fairy-tale wedding in 2020, showing that true love blooms even before the fame and fanfare take over. (Photo Credit: Instagram) 4. An Instagram Favorite With Real-World Influence 4 / 11 With over 11,000 followers, Sone's mix of healthcare insights, travel diaries, and family moments gives fans a refreshing glimpse into a life filled with compassion and class. (Photo Credit: Instagram) 5. The Real MVP of the Home Team 5 / 11 While Klaasen bats under pressure, Sone handles the home front like a pro—especially post the birth of their daughter Laya in December 2022, which Klaasen called 'life-changing.' (Photo Credit: Instagram) 6. The Invisible Force Behind South Africa's White-Ball Warrior 6 / 11 Klaasen's surprise retirement at 33 to spend more time with family highlights how crucial Sone's emotional support has been in shaping his life decisions. (Photo Credit: Instagram) 7. Elegance That Rivals Celebrities 7 / 11 From stadium stands to social media, Sone's striking presence often grabs attention, drawing comparisons with models and earning admiration from fans and lifestyle influencers alike. (Photo Credit: Instagram) 8. Calm in the Chaos of Cricket Life 8 / 11 International tours, bio-bubbles, and high-stakes games didn't rattle her — Sone's composed presence helped Klaasen stay grounded and focused on the field. (Photo Credit: Instagram) 9. A Partner Who Inspires Even Off the Pitch 9 / 11 Her career in healthcare showcases a woman with ambition and empathy — values that reflect deeply in her personal life and inspire thousands following her journey. (Photo Credit: Instagram) 10. A Love That Keeps the Fire Burning in IPL 2024 10 / 11 As Klaasen dominated for SRH in IPL 2024, it was clear that Sone's quiet strength off the field continues to be his source of inspiration and resilience. (Photo Credit: Instagram) 11 / 11
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Exclusive interview with Heinrich Klaasen: 'I'm leaving the national team, not cricket'
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.
India.com
03-07-2025
- Sport
- India.com
Play More T20 Cricket, Take One Day Cricket Away: Heinrich Klaasen Explains Sudden Retirement From International Cricket
Former South African cricketer Heinrich Klaasen, who retired from international cricket just last month after seven impactful years, has shared powerful insights into the future of the sport. At 33, Klaasen believes the calendar is overcrowded and in need of reform. In an interview, he suggested that the ICC should consider scrapping bilateral One-Day Internationals (ODIs) to make room for formats that resonate more with fans namely Test matches and T20s. 'I think the only change that I will make is probably take [bilateral] one‑day cricket away from international cricket. Make it more Test matches for teams that don't play a lot of Test matches. Play more T20 cricket, because that's what the people want to see. You can keep your one‑day World Cups, and just maybe a month before the one‑day World Cup starts, you play five games for every team, just to get used to that format," he told cricbuzz. Klaasen on Financial Pressures Klaasen also addressed player retention, particularly in South Africa. He emphasized the need for national boards to support their players financially so they aren't compelled to chase wealth in global leagues. 'It's not a big change that you have to make in that format. It's more the international teams that you probably will struggle with. If they don't take care of the international players, they will go out and go play leagues to make some extra cash. If you look at the Aussies and the England boys, they get looked after well, so they don't need to go around the world and go play all these leagues.' Klaasen's International Milestones Klaasen burst onto the international scene in 2018, quickly emerging as a commanding force in South Africa's white-ball lineup. In over 60 ODIs, he amassed more than 2,000 runs at a stellar average close to 44, highlighted by an explosive 174 against Australia in 2023 a record second-highest score by a number-five batsman. In T20Is, he featured in 58 matches with an impressive strike rate of 141.84. His final appearance came during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final against New Zealand. Heinrich Klaasen's departure marks the end of a thrilling chapter not only for his dynamic batting, but also for his bold suggestions on how the future of global cricket might be reshaped.
Hindustan Times
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
'The accident Rishabh had, I thought he was...': Rohit Sharma's fresh claim on Pant's 'fake injury' during T20WC final
It was on this day (June 29) last year that India ended their long wait for a global title in international cricket. The Rohit Sharma-led team lifted the T20 World Cup in Barbados after a last-over win against South Africa. India won by seven runs to clinch their first ICC trophy in 12 years, having won the previous one in 2013 when MS Dhoni and his men beat England to win the Champions Trophy. India beat South Africa in the T20 World Cup final One of the most told stories about the World Cup win was how Rishabh Pant faked an injury to break South Africa's momentum in the chase, which was followed by Heinrich Klaasen's game-changing dismissal. Speaking on 'The Great Indian Kapil Show', Rohit had credited Pant for the clever use of the loophole, which helped India regroup after Klaasen took Axar Patel to the cleaners. ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma's candid admission on T20 World Cup win: 'Didn't sleep whole night before final, was really nervous' "When South Africa needed 30 runs off 30 balls, just before that, there was a small break. Pant used his intelligence to pause the game - he had a knee injury, so he had his knee taped, which helped slow down the game - because the game was fast-paced, and at that moment, all a batter wants is the ball to be bowled quickly. But we had to break the rhythm. As I was setting the field and talking to bowlers, suddenly I saw Pant fallen on the ground. The physiotherapist had arrived and was taping his knee. Klassen was waiting for the match to start again. I am not saying it's the only reason, but it could be one of them - Pant Sahab used his smarts and things worked out in our favour," he had said. However, in a fresh claim made on the incident, the former India T20I captain said that he initially felt Pant was truly injured. The 37-year-old felt the wicketkeeper-batter had hurt his knee, which had suffered a blow in the tragic car accident in 2022. "See, Hardik has come to bowl there. So, we were discussing with Hardik what to do. I didn't know what had happened before. I genuinely thought that something had happened to him. The accident he had, I thought he was just trying to. But actually, it was just to stop the game a little bit. The momentum was with them. So, it was very important to break that. So, I think we went back to that. Eventually, Hardik dismissed Klaasen," he told Star Sports in an interview. How did Pant's act disrupt South Africa's plan? Klaasen was in complete control of the chase, with the Proteas needing 26 off the last 24 balls. A well-set David Miller was also at the crease. However, just when the India captain was setting the field for the next over and was having a word with bowler Hardik Pandya, he noticed Pant was down on the ground with the team physio attending to him. When play resumed after the short delay, Pandya removed Klaasen, before Jasprit Bumrah got rid of Marco Jansen with an in-swinger that would get most top-order batters out. Hardik and Arshdeep Singh applied the brakes from the other end as India choked South Africa to win the match by seven runs.
Mint
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Mint
Trouble for Seattle Orcas amid MLC 2025; Captain Heinrich Klaasen steps down after franchise parts ways with head coach
Seattle Orcas were dealt with a double blow midway into the ongoing Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 as the franchise decided to part ways with head coach Matthew Mott after remaining winless in the five games they have played so far in the ongoing season. To add to that, captain Heinrich Klaasen too stepped down from his position. Having finished runners-up in the 2023 edition, Seattle Orcas finished at the bottom of the table in 2024. In MLC 2025, Seattle Orcas still have a chance to jump up in the table. The Seattle-based franchise cited differences in coaching and management strategies as a reason for Mott's ouster. 'In a major move, the franchise has parted ways with Head Coach Matthew Mott, citing differences in coaching and management strategies. 'The Orcas thank Mott for his contributions and wish him all the best in his future endeavors,' Seattle Orcas said in a statement. They also accepted Klaasen resignation as captain. 'Further, Heinrich Klaasen has decided to step down from his role as Captain to focus fully on his responsibilities as a batter. 'Klaasen's commitment to performance and team success remains unwavering, and he remains an integral part of the leadership group,' it added. Zimbabwe's Sikander Raza replaced Klaasen as captain. Meanwhile, the change in leadership worked wonders for Seattle Orcas who defeated MI New York in a record run chase on Saturday. Chasing a mammoth 238 runs for victory, Seattle Orcas, rode on an unbeaten 97 off 40 balls from Shimron Hetmyer to chase down the target on the final ball of the innings. Seattle Orcas won the game by three wickets. With six runs needed from the final ball, Hetmyer smashed Kieron Pollard over fine leg for a six to secure their first win. Earlier, Nicolas Pooran smashed an unbeaten 108 (60 balls) while Tajinder Dhillon (35-ball 95) missed on a well-deserved hundred as Mi New York posted 237/4 in 20 overs.
