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Explained: Why Heinrich Klaasen Decided To Retire Before 2027 World Cup

Abhinav Tyagi

Heinrich Klaasen walking back - (Source :@Johns/X.com)Heinrich Klaasen walking back - (Source :@Johns/X.com)

On June 2, 2025, Heinrich Klaasen dropped a bombshell after he announced his retirement from International cricket. The 33-year-old continues to be one of the best white-ball cricketers in present time and his retirement has sent the fans into shock.

Klaasen, who had a lot of years left in him as a professional, was destined to feature for the Proteas till 2027 ODI World Cup, which interestingly, will be hosted by South Africa. Thus, Heinrich's absence has left a big void within the team. Nonetheless, the fans refused to buy SRH batter's decision to call it quits from the international stage. 

 In the latest events, the right-handed batter opened up on his decision and revealed that it was a tough one but also admitted that he had plans to feature in 2027 World Cup, but then what changed Klaasen's mind?

Why South Africa Star Bowed Out Of  The Grandest Stage?

Recently, Heinrich spoke to local publication Rapport, where he remarked that he laid out a plan with former South Africa head coach Rob Walters to balance international cricket and also franchise cricket, which is on a rise in recent times.

There is no denying that Klaasen is a hot property among the franchise league owners and expressed his desire to play in leagues across the globe. Further, him denying a central contract also created a tiff between the board and the 33-year-old. Nonetheless, Klaasen managed to build a plan but Walter's resignation made things easier for him. 

“I felt for a long time that I didn’t really care about any of my performances and whether the team won or not. That’s the wrong place to be. I had a long conversation with Rob before the Champions Trophy, and I told him I didn’t feel good in my heart about what was going on. I wasn’t enjoying it that much,"  Klaasen told Rapport.

Rob Walter's Resignation Behind Heinrich's Retirement

"We talked nicely, and we planned everything nicely up to and including the World Cup in 2027. So when he finished as coach and the contract]negotiations didn’t go as planned, it made my decision a lot easier,” he added.

Notably, Bob Walter was part of South Africa's coaching set-up from January 2023 until 30 April 2025. Following his resignation, he shifted base to New Zealand cricket.