TOP STORIES

“A huge boot to fill”: Keshav Maharaj on Klaasen’s international retirement

Tuesday, 03-Jun-2025
News

South Africa’s wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen, on June 2, called time on his international career, drawing curtains on a seven-year career. Klaasen, known for his big-hitting abilities, made a surprise announcement to bow out of international cricket. His journey in international cricket began in 2018 when he made his debut against India in an ODI.

During his time with the side, Klassen played a pivotal role in the team’s success, helping them hugely during the 2023 Cricket World Cup, the Champions Trophy 2025 , and the final of the T20 World Cup in 2024. Reacting to Klaasen’s decision, long-time teammate Keshav Maharaj lauded his influence on South African cricket.

“He's probably one of, if not the most feared batsman, especially in the white-ball game these days. Yeah, it's sad to know that he's walking away. He's still young. He's younger than me. But, you know, we can only wish him well. I'm sure he has his reasons as to why, and you've got to respect that,” Maharaj said as quoted by the ICC.

“Obviously, 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.”

Klaasen, across his 60 ODI matches, scored 2,141 runs, including four centuries and 11 half-centuries. He scored 1,000 runs in 58 T20Is. He also played four Tests for South Africa, scoring 104 runs.

 

Tags

More News

News

IRE vs ENG, 1st T20I: Everything you need to know

4 hrs ago

Ireland will take on England in the first T20I of their three-match series on Wednesday at The Village in Dublin. The series is historic, as England, for the first time, are playing against Ireland in Ireland in a T20I series. Ireland will be led by experienced Paul Stirling, who will be assisted by seasoned players such as Ross Adair, Craig Yo...


News

"Pakistan are no match": Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly

6 hrs ago

Defending champions India didn't come across any challenge from bitter rivals Pakistan in their clash on Sunday as they effortlessly beat the men in green to register a splendid seven-wicket win at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. India's spin attack laid the foundation for an assertive win, imploding Pakistan to 127/9 (20) and ripping through their ...


News

Afghanistan's Naveen-ul-Haq out of Asia Cup 2025

7 hrs ago

Afghanistan fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has been ruled out for the rest of the Asia Cup 2025, with Abdollah Ahmadzai being named as his replacement. Afghanistan Cricket Board has confirmed that Naveen-ul-Haq hasn't yet recovered from a shoulder injury, due to which he will miss the tournament in its entirety.

"Naveen will continue to under...


News

India women seek redemption against dominant Australia

8 hrs ago

India women are going through a challenging period after suffering a defeat in the first of the three-match ODI series against Australia on Sunday in Chandigarh. They now find themselves under huge pressure as they prepare to face Australia in the second ODI on Wednesday at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. Heading into the seri...


News

Ravichandran Ashwin lambasts Pakistan following their defeat to India

9 hrs ago

The Asia Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan on Sunday in Dubai was a one‑sided affair, with India overpowering Pakistan in all departments. India chased down 127/9 in no time, winning by seven wickets with 4.1 overs to spare. Reacting to India's victory, former India all‑rounder Ravichandran Ashwin slammed Pakistan, ripping into their ba...