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The Citizen
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
‘A sad day for me': Heinrich Klaasen retires from international cricket
Klaasen played 60 ODI matches and 58 T20 Internationals since making his debut in 2018. Heinrich Klaasen admitted he was somewhat saddened by the decision, after announcing his retirement from international cricket, though he was pleased to have the opportunity to focus on other things in his life, including his family. During a seven-year career for the Proteas, Klaasen showcased his ability as a reliable big-hitting batter and played a key role with the gloves behind the stumps. He confirmed on Monday, however, that he would no longer be available for the SA team in limited overs formats, after retiring from Test cricket last year. Having played only four Tests between 2019 and 2023, Klaasen was a white-ball specialist for the national team, establishing himself as one of the most feared middle-order batters in the international game. The 33-year-old batter/wicketkeeper played 60 ODIs and amassed over 2 000 runs at an average of 43.69, and his power-hitting prowess was on full display during a blistering career-best 174 against Australia at his home ground, SuperSport Park, in 2023 – the second highest score ever recorded by a number five. Klaasen also represented South Africa in 58 T20Is, striking at a rate of 141.84. 'It is a sad day for me as I announce that I have decided to step away from international cricket,' Klaasen said. '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.' Cricket SA director of national teams and high performance Enoch Nkwe credited Klaasen for his consistent efforts for the Proteas in recent years. 'Heinrich has been a true match winner for South Africa. He was a player capable of changing the course of a game in a matter of overs,' Nkwe said. 'His commitment and impact in the white-ball formats have been immense, and we thank him for his outstanding service to South African cricket.'
The Herald
29-05-2025
- General
- The Herald
Erasmus, Conrad forge new culture of unity in SA sport
In the heart of Stellenbosch's rugby country, where scrums thump like thunder and lineouts rise like prayers, a new kind of Springbok playbook was being written — one that included googlies, yorkers and a few cricket bats. Last week Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus opened the doors of his second alignment camp to Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad and Cricket SA's high performance management team, planting a flag for cross-sport collaboration the likes of which South African fans have rarely seen. The Proteas, preparing for the colossal ICC World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's next month, didn't just stop by for coffee and a handshake. They rolled up their sleeves, shadowed Springbok strategists and soaked up the culture that's powered two Rugby World Cup wins in a row. The day was as much about tactics as it was about tribal connection-building one sporting nation under the green and gold. 'They may bowl with leather and we drive with muscle,' Erasmus said with a grin, 'but when you strip it down, we're both trying to win for the same flag. Whether it's a tryline or a third man boundary, it's the same heartbeat.' The seeds of this unlikely union were sowed not in a boardroom but over a braai. Earlier this year, during the Proteas' second Test against Pakistan at Newlands, Erasmus and Conrad met for the first time under smoky skies, where meat sizzled and ideas simmered. 'There's nothing quite like a good braai to break the ice,' Conrad chuckled. 'Rassie and I started talking about culture, pressure, leadership, and before the boerewors was done, we both realised we were playing the same mental game, just on different pitches.' It wasn't long before the idea was born — why not bridge the two disciplines, not in theory, but in practice? On Thursday that dream came to life. The camp began with the usual focus of values, systems and structures for the coming season, with Erasmus and his coaching team setting the tone for a crucial year ahead. But it was the presence of the cricketing minds that gave the day an extra dimension. Alongside Conrad were CSA's high performance managers, who observed how the Boks manage detail, pressure and player identity. The Springbok assistant coaches each presented their areas of expertise, from breakdown tactics to backline structure, while engaging with their cricketing guests about what translates across the codes. 'It was fascinating. The language might be different — rucks versus reverse swing — but the messages are identical — play for the badge, trust your process, execute under pressure,' Conrad told . 'We're a week out from flying to London for our biggest final ever. 'Being in that room with Rassie and his coaches gave us a mental sharpening. You see what makes champions tick, and it rubs off on you.' This wasn't a one-way masterclass. Erasmus made it clear the Boks had just as much to learn from the Proteas, especially in the psychological realm of endurance sport. 'A Test match lasts five days. That's five days of being scrutinised, second-guessed, sledged and still needing to stay mentally sharp,' Erasmus said. 'That's not just skill, that's spiritual stamina. 'There's a lot for us to gain from how they manage that pressure cooker.' The respect was mutual, and it highlighted a growing vision across SA sport — sharing excellence. 'Vincent Tshituka, Ntokozo Makhaza and Juarno Augustus were new faces in our environment,' Erasmus said. 'And just like them, the cricket guys walked in as guests and left as teammates.' In an era where silos often dominate national sports systems, Thursday's session was a rare act of unity. Both Conrad and Erasmus signalled their intention to turn this into more than a one-off. 'We've got more in common than not,' Erasmus said. 'The more we lean into each other, the more chance we have of both standing tall on the world stage.' For the Proteas, the road leads to London. For the Springboks, it's the Barbarians clash on 28 June, followed by a stacked season. But for SA's sports lovers, the hope is that this bond continues to grow, where tactics are shared over tackle bags and insights traded like match-winning partnerships. Because in the end, whether it's a ruck or a run chase, the goal remains the same — to write victory stories that make the nation sing. — SportsBoom
TimesLIVE
27-05-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Proteas to face Namibia for the first time in October
Namibia will face South Africa for the first time in a one-off T20 International in Windhoek, in October. The match will be played at the FNB Namibia Cricket Ground (NCG) on 11 October. It will be the first match at the newly renovated venue which will host matches in the Under-19 World Cup next year and the senior men's event in 2027. Namibia and Zimbabwe will be joint hosts for that tournament alongside SA. 'We are honoured to be part of this historic occasion. Namibia are a competitive side, and this fixture reflects the growing strength of cricket on the continent,' said Cricket SA's CEO, Pholetsi Moseki. 'As a fellow African cricketing nation and the host of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027, we are proud to support the official opening of this new cricket ground which will be one of the host venues of the tournament.' Moseki's counterpart at Cricket Namibia, Johan Muller thanked CSA for agreeing to play the fixture. 'The new FNB NCG has been a dream for the last four years and has finally materialised. A match against our neighbours, and one of the top cricketing countries in the world, is the perfect way to open this world class facility,' said Muller. The match adds to what is already a heavy schedule for the Proteas this year. After next month's World Test Championship final at Lord's they head to Zimbabwe at end of June to play two Tests and in a triangular T2o series with the host nation and New Zealand. Then there are trips to England and Australia for a limited overs series's in August and September and after the clash in Windhoek, SA heads to Pakistan and India for tours involving, Tests, ODIs and T20 matches. They play their last fixture in India on December 19 and a week later most of the players will be involved in the SA20, which starts on Boxing Day. There are no home Tests scheduled for the 2025/26 season and the men's team will on play in five T20 Internationals against the West Indies next January on SA soil, before heading to India for the T20 World Cup.
The Herald
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
Nortjé on why players choose IPL over internationals
The Indian Premier League (IPL) resumed at the weekend after a brief halt due to tensions between India and Pakistan along the border. The league was scheduled to end on May 25, but has now been extended to June 3. This has suddenly created a huge scheduling problem for overseas players. Many players bound to report back to their national teams after May 25 are now stuck. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India is working things out with cricket boards, the debate has once again shifted to 'leagues vs international cricket' among both players and fans. One of the boards that has been at the centre of this debate is Cricket SA. In January 2024, SA was forced to send an inexperienced side for a Test tour to New Zealand as all its top players were busy playing the SA T20 League (SA20). However, despite this, the Proteas have made it to the World Test Championship finals. But again, players are caught in the 'league vs international' conundrum as SA players were to report back on May 26 and began their preparations for the final. But with the IPL final scheduled for June 3, it will be interesting to see how they deal with it. Experienced SA pacer Anrich Nortjé explained why many international players sometimes choose T20 leagues over national duty. 'Hard to say what others are doing or what their reasons are. 'Most of the time, it would probably be income. Income is a major factor, one league can cover your entire income for what you'd earn with the international team,' Nortjé told . 'But it depends. It's different for everyone. 'I've been available for the last year, from before the World Cup to December, and only got selected again in December to play. 'There were a few series I wasn't picked for, mostly to give opportunities to others. 'So, from my side, I've been available to play for the country, but they haven't pressed on my button. 'Unfortunately, I got the opportunity in December and broke my toe, so I haven't played since the World Cup,' he said. Nortjé agreed that while income played a major part, players needed to maintain a fine balance. 'It's a difficult one. There's more opportunity to make income in leagues, but there's also that pride of playing for your country. 'It's a fine balance, and it depends on where the person is in their life and what their situation is. 'I can't speak for everyone — I can only speak for myself,' Nortje, who has played 19 Tests, 22 ODIs and 42 T20Is for SA, said. Nortjé was also full of praise for fellow pacer Kagiso Rabada, who was recently caught in a doping controversy. 'He's a great guy, on and off the field. A superb human being and a brilliant bowler. 'He's been doing it for so long, and I'm lucky to be playing with him and not against him most of the time,' Nortjé said. 'It's hard to pinpoint exactly what makes him so good, but he's just so consistent. 'He gets wickets when it's tough, when it's easy — he's that kind of bowler who can win you games from nowhere. 'He's done it for years, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what he can do in this final.' — SportsBoom
News24
20-05-2025
- Business
- News24
Old flagship sponsor returns to back Proteas for World Test Championship final
Castle Lager is back on board to sponsor the Proteas in the World Test Championship final against Australia. The final takes place at Lord's from 11-15 June. CSA CEO Pholetsi Mosekki says they are humbled to be backed by a brand that reflects 'a shared belief in the power of unity, resilience, and national pride'. For more Proteas news, visit our dedicated section. The Proteas will have a familiar ally back in their corner when they tackle Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord's in London from 11-15 June. Castle Lager, which was once synonymous with South African cricket, will be the Proteas' official team sponsor for the duration of the showpiece at the 'Home of Cricket'. READ | To Ngidi or to Paterson? The Lord's slope could hold the answer The flagship brand of South African Breweries (SAB) will feature on the leading sleeve of the Proteas' playing kit. Cricket SA's CEO, Pholetsi Moseki, welcomed Castle coming on board for the World Test Championship final. 'The show of support for the Proteas Men reaffirms Castle Lager's long-standing and consistent support of South African cricket. 'We are humbled to go into the WTC Final with a brand that reflects a shared belief in the power of unity, resilience, and national pride. 'Castle Lager's backing serves as a rallying cry to the nation to stand behind our boys as they chase Test cricket greatness on the global stage,' Moseki said. Castle's Brand Director, Thomas Lawrence, added: 'Castle Lager is proud to be back on the Proteas Test jersey - a symbol of resilience, pride, and South African excellence. 'Our return marks not just a sponsorship, but a renewed commitment to the spirit of Test cricket and the values it shares with our brand: heritage, endurance, and unity. Together with the Proteas, we look forward to writing the next great chapter in South African cricket.' The South African squad will assemble in Arundel, England on 31 May and will play a warm-up match against Zimbabwe from 3-6 June, before heading to London on 7 June. 🗞Announcement 🗞 Castle Lager will be the official team sponsor to the Proteas Men for the duration of ICC World Test Championships (WTC) Final taking place from 11 – 15 June at Lord's Cricket Ground in London. @CastleLagerSA, the flagship brand of South African Breweries… — Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) May 20, 2025
