Latest news with #Klaasen
The Citizen
3 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Shukri Conrad never spoke with Heinrich Klaasen
Proteas coach Shukri Conrad has played down suggestions of a rift between himself and Heinrich Klaasen. The big-hitting batsman on Monday announced his retirement from white-ball international cricket, having already stepped away from the red-ball game after being dropped by Conrad after the home West Indies series in 2023. ALSO: Klaasen quits Proteas 'Obviously, if you lose a player of the calibre of Heinrich Klaasen, you'd be disappointed,' Conrad told the media at South Africa's warm-up match against Zimbabwe in Arundel. 'But if that's the narrative that you want to espouse, that I'm the common factor, then be my guest. 'I haven't even had a conversation with Heinrich. He turned down the contract long before I was even a thought in the white-ball space. It's really unfortunate that we lose a player of his calibre. He's one of the best in the world, if not the best, among the white ball middle-order batters.' Upon his appointment as all-format Proteas coach on May 9, Conrad said CSA-contracted Proteas would no longer be allowed to skip white-ball series to play T20 franchise cricket. Under former coach Rob Walter, the Proteas often fielded understrength teams in bilateral series, with players putting lucrative franchise deals ahead of the national team. MORE: Proteas come first – Conrad 'I'd be disappointed if it [Klaasen retiring to favour leagues] was, because we didn't have a conversation,' Conrad said. 'I think if guys pre-signed deals prior to me coming on board, I certainly wasn't going to come in there and say, 'Well, you have got to withdraw from whatever you pre-signed'. So without us ever having a conversation, I'd be disappointed if that was why he retired. 'From the little bit I know, I know Heinrich from way back when he was at the academy, kept in the academy sides when I was the coach. I'd be very surprised if he was as short-sighted as that. I think he's obviously got really good reasons for why he's retired, and we've got to respect that.' WATCH: Proteas pursuit of the promised land with Ryan Vrede The post Conrad never spoke with Klaasen appeared first on SA Cricketmag. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
The South African
3 days ago
- General
- The South African
Proteas coach on Klaasen retirement: We didn't even speak
Earlier this week, in a bombshell announcement, it was announced that Heinrich Klaasen had confirmed his immediate retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a distinguished seven-year career with the Proteas men. The warning signs were already there in April when the Proteas men's contracted squad for the 2025/26 season was released, and what stood out more than anything was the absence of keeper-batsman Klaasen. His omission from the contracted list was acknowledged by CSA in a clear indication that the 33-year-old faced an uncertain future, and perhaps was considering focusing on T20 leagues around the world. With new Proteas limited-overs Shukri Conrad having asked for his players to prioritise bilateral series over T20 leagues, it was thought that perhaps the two weren't seeing eye to eye. Whatever the case may be, the sudden retirement is a major blow for the Proteas considering just how Klaasen is to the national cause, with the big-hitting batsman having become one of the most consistent and impactful players in the white ball teams. Speaking ahead of the World Test Championship final, Conrad suggested that Klaasen's decision was not related to his declaration that players needed to prioritise the national duty over T20 leagues 'Obviously, if you lose a player of the calibre of Heinrich Klaasen, you'd be disappointed,' Conrad told the media at South Africa's warm-up match against Zimbabwe at Arundel. 'But if that's the narrative that you want to espouse, that I'm the common factor, then be my guest. 'I haven't even had a conversation with Heinrich. He turned down the contract long before I was even a thought in the white-ball space. It's really unfortunate that we lose a player of his calibre. He's one of the best in the world, if not the best, among the white ball middle-order batters.' 'I'd be disappointed if it [Klaasen retiring to favour leagues] was, because we didn't have a conversation,' Conrad said. 'I think if guys pre-signed deals prior to me coming on board, I certainly wasn't going to come in there and say, 'Well, you have got to withdraw from whatever you pre-signed.' 'So without us ever having a conversation, I'd be disappointed if that was why he retired. From the little bit I know, I know Heinrich from way back when he was at the academy, kept in the academy sides when I was the coach. I'd be very surprised if he was as short-sighted as that.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
OPINION: Should Miller follow Klaasen, opening the door for a younger player?
Miller has been as valuable to the Proteas as Klaasen, but he will be 38 when the 2027 World Cup rolls around. As sad as it is to see Heinrich Klaasen stepping back from the international game, a little more than two years out from the World Cup on home soil, his timing might be perfect. In 60 ODI matches, Klaasen made 2 141 runs at an average of 43.69 and a strike rate of 117.05, and in 58 T20 Internationals he hit 1 000 runs at an average of 23.25 and a strike rate of 141.84. And he was in superb form in the latter stages of his international career. In his last six ODI matches, the 33-year-old player hit five half-centuries, contributing more than 80 runs in four of those innings. But in terms of progression in the national team, and looking ahead to the future, his retirement has been well timed. In November 2027, Klaasen will be 36, and it makes sense for him to open a door now for a younger player. And as much as he too has become a key member of the Proteas limited overs teams, David Miller might also need to be thinking about retirement. Incredible career Like Klaasen, Miller has been phenomenal for the SA squad as a big-hitting middle-order batter. In 178 ODI matches, Miller has made 4 611 runs at an average of 42.30 and a strike rate of 103.68, and in 130 T20 Internationals he has hit 2 591 runs at an average of 33.21 and a strike rate of 140.66. And he too continues to play an important role. Over the last two years, Miller has made 723 runs in 22 ODI matches at an average of 42.52, including two centuries and three half-centuries. Miller retains the same ability as Klaasen does to turn a game on its head, but he's not as consistent as he could be, and when the 2027 World Cup rolls around, he will be 38. Opportunity for Brevis? Perhaps he can keep going, but if he isn't going to play for another few years (and maintain his form), his replacement will need time to settle in before the global showpiece. The absence of Klaasen might open the door for 19-year-old Lhuan-Dre Pretorius to take a spot in the middle order, as well as the gloves behind the stumps. And if Miller isn't certain he'll be hungry enough in 2027, he too could open a door for someone like 22-year-old Dewald Brevis to join the team on a more permanent basis. It will be as sad to see Miller go as it was to bid farewell to Klaasen, but the reality is that they can't play forever, and if new blood is needed in the build-up to the World Cup, those players will need to start finding some roots in the national squad.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- General
- Express Tribune
Maharaj surprised by Klaasen's retirement
Keshav Maharaj says it is sad to know that he is walking away. He is still young. Photo: ICC says it is sad to know that he is walking away. He is still young. Photo: ICC South Africa's veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj on Tuesday praised Heinrich Klaasen's significant impact on national cricket and reflected on the defining moments of Klaasen's career. He highlighted Klaasen's skill, resilience and the important role he played in major tournaments despite a relatively short international stint. Speaking in an ICC interview while preparing for the World Test Championship final, Maharaj reacted to Klaasen's surprise retirement decision by lauding the wicketkeeper-batter's influence on the modern game. "He is probably one of, if not the most feared batsmen, especially in the white-ball game these days. Yeah, it is sad to know that he is walking away. He is still young — he is younger than me. But you know, we can only wish him well. I am sure he has his reasons as to why, and you have got to respect that," Maharaj said. Maharaj paid tribute to the retiring Klaasen, recognising the huge void his departure would create in the South African lineup. "It is amazing to see how his journey transitioned — from being in and out of the team, probably not knowing where he stood, to one series that really changed the game. It is a huge boot to fill within the lineup. But I know he'll still be here supporting us and making sure that we get over the line in this game as well," he added. Maharaj recalled the series against Australia in 2020 as a turning point for Klaasen, which marked his rise in ODI cricket. He also remembered Klaasen's heroic performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, describing it as a testament to his world-class talent. He brought us back into the game and gave us a little bit of hope. We probably did not cross the final hurdle, but it was super special to witness the caliber and skill of the player come out in a game of that magnitude. It just shows why he's world-class," he concluded. It is pertinent to mention that South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Klaasen on Monday announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect. The decision means Klaasen, who will be 34 next month, played his last game for South Africa in the Champions Trophy semi-final defeat to New Zealand in Lahore in March. Klaasen made his international debut in 2018 during an ODI series against India and went on to represent South Africa across all three formats over a seven-year career. ODIs proved to be his most successful format, where he played 60 matches and scored 2,141 runs at an average of 43.69 and an impressive strike rate of 117.05, including four centuries and 11 half-centuries. Among his standout performances was a blistering 174 off just 83 balls against Australia at Centurion in 2023 — the highest individual score by any batter at No. 5 in ODI history. In T20 Internationals, Klaasen featured in 58 matches, amassing 1,000 runs at a strike rate of 141.84, with five half-centuries to his name. He also appeared in four Test matches, scoring 104 runs at an average of 13.00. The wicketkeeper batter last played for South Africa in March this year during the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal against New Zealand. He was dismissed for just three runs off seven balls, as the Proteas lost the match by 50 runs.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Klaasen bows out having reshaped T20-era but missing international honours
Heinrich Klaasen announced his retirement from international cricket on Monday. Photo: AFP Image: AFP In this day and age, with lucrative T20 leagues around the world, the lack of Cricket South Africa's financial muscle, and a host of other factors, it comes as little surprise to see a player of Heinrich Klaasen's calibre call time on his international career at just 33-years old. As it stands, the calendar for the average international cricketer is already demanding. It becomes even more taxing when you are one of the most destructive middle-order batters in the world, as Klaasen has become over the past three to four years. With T20 leagues worldwide eager to secure his signature, the choice has become increasingly difficult: sign a four-week T20 deal worth millions of rands, or accept a national contract worth only a fraction of that — one that obliges players to be available for international duty regardless of other commitments. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Klaasen's retirement from international cricket — much like Quinton de Kock's Test retirement four years ago at just 28 — is the new reality that world cricket must come to terms with. However, Klaasen's international career will always be remembered as one filled with lessons — lessons for young players and the public alike: never give up on your dreams. The right-hander burst onto the international scene during India's tour of South Africa in 2018, immediately making an impact with a match-winning, unbeaten 47 off 23 balls that earned him the Player of the Match award. He went on to play four ODIs during that series before stealing the spotlight in the T20I leg, hammering a 30-ball 69 and winning a second Player of the Match accolade. Having dismantled a Virat Kohli-led Indian side, Klaasen earned a place with Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL a year later, as his wicketkeeper-batter dream quickly became a reality. But the dream soon hit a snag. Klaasen's first IPL season was underwhelming, and with Quinton de Kock established as South Africa's primary wicketkeeper, his international career stalled as he struggled for game time. Heinrich Klaasen has announced his immediate retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a distinguished seven-year career with the Proteas Men. The 33-year-old announced on Monday that he would be stepping away from the white-ball formats, which follows his… — Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 2, 2025 Klaasen returned to domestic cricket with the Titans, where he initially looked a shadow of his former self. However, he soon rediscovered his rhythm by simplifying his approach and remaining true to his strengths rather than trying to emulate other top batters around the world. Upon his return to the Proteas in 2020, he blazed 123 off 114 balls and collected yet another player of the match award. From that point on, Klaasen became a mainstay in South Africa's middle order. As his confidence grew, so too did his dominance — few, if any, middle-order batters in world cricket could match his ability to dismantle bowling attacks. He featured in multiple ICC tournaments, including the semi-final of the 2023 ODI World Cup and the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup. His breathtaking 178 off 83 balls against Australia in Centurion stands out as the crowning achievement of his international career.
