Cricket world saddened as rival joins Glenn Maxwell in immediate move for family
Cricket fans have been rocked by the double retirement of Glenn Maxwell and South African rival Heinrich Klaasen within hours of each other. Maxwell announced on Monday afternoon that he was retiring from ODI cricket with immediate effect, but will still continue in the T20 format.
Klaasen then dropped a bombshell of his own just a few hours later when the South Africa wicket-keeper announced his retirement from all international cricket to spend more time with his family. The retirement of the 36-year-old Maxwell wasn't a complete surprise, but Klaasen's was.
The 33-year-old wrote on social media: "It is a sad day for me as I announce that I have decided to step away from international cricket. It took me a long time to decide what's best for me and my family for the future. 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. I have made great friendships and relationships that I will treasure for life. Playing for the Proteas gave me the opportunity to meet great people that changed my life, and to those people I can't say thank you enough. My road to wearing the Proteas shirt was different than most and there were certain coaches in my career that kept believing in me - to them I will always be grateful.
"To have played with the Proteas badge on my chest was and will always be the biggest honour in my career. I look forward to spending more time with my family as this decision will allow me to do so. I will always be a big Proteas supporter and would like to thank everyone that supported me and my teammates during my career."
It comes less than a year after he was South Africa's top scorer in their loss to India in the T20 World Cup final. Maxwell (126.70) and Klaasen (117.05) are second and fourth on the all-time list for ODI strike rates, along with Andre Russell (130.22) and Lionel Cann (117.06).
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A post shared by Heinrich Klaasen (@heinie45)
As for Maxwell, the Aussie star is being hailed as one of the most influential figures in one-day cricket history. The 36-year-old admitted he realised his body can't hold up to the rigours of the 50-over format anymore, and will instead prioritise T20 cricket.
"I started to think if I don't have the perfect conditions in 50-over cricket, my body probably struggles to get through," Maxwell said in an extended interview on the 'Final Word' Podcast. "I realised it was probably a bit far-fetched to to keep I suppose reaching for that next series and try to hold on.
"In reality, I think I'd be doing a disservice to the team ... more hoping rather than expecting to get through. I don't think that would be fair to anyone."
It comes after Steve Smith also retired from ODI cricket after the Champions Trophy in March. Maxwell holds the records for fastest ODI hundred and only double century by an Australian, after his back-to-back epics against Netherlands and Afghanistan at the World Cup in 2023.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said: "Congratulations to Glenn on what has been one of the most exciting and influential one-day international careers in the format's history. Glenn's ballistic batting has lit up the cricket world and been one of the cornerstones of Australia's continued success in the 50 over game, including his heroic role in the 2023 World Cup triumph."
Cricket fans flocked to social media to praise Maxwell and Klaasen on their careers. Many were left saddened they'll never see the swashbuckling hitters in the ODI format ever again.
What a day. Two explosive stroke makers of our times have called it a day. Klassen had a lot to offer to SA and deserved to win at least one ICC trophy. Maxwell, on the other hand, should still be satisfied having won 3 ICC trophies
— Gurkirat Singh Gill (@gurkiratsgill) June 2, 2025
June 2 - the power hitters' retirement day 💔Maxwell, Klaasen, why?#CricketAustralia #ProteasCricket #GlennMaxwell #HeinrichKlaasen pic.twitter.com/zfupF5ZyIL
— Cricketangon (@cricketangon) June 2, 2025
Cricket's retirement age is dropping from 38-39 to 34-35. Big players are retiring early, like today's shock exits of Heinrich Klaasen and Glenn Maxwell. The game's losing icons too soon! #GlennMaxwell#henrichklassen pic.twitter.com/s1Ai29IlIn
— PC 6 OG (@ForFun351001) June 2, 2025
Two explosive batsmen Heinrich Klaasen and Glenn Maxwell retired today.Both these players gave a lot of excitement with their game. Best wishes to both of them for the future.Maxi | ODIS | ग्लेन मैक्सवेल#GlennMaxwell pic.twitter.com/NSbREWhDD6
— Aditya Yadav (@YadavAditya01) June 2, 2025
Both best Six hitters in Cricket, will be missed.Thanks for Entertainment!
— GRC☀️ (@groyc) June 2, 2025
with AAP
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