Fans were left despondent after South African cricket superstar Heinrich Klaasen announced he was retiring from international cricket with immediate effect on Monday (June 2). The wicketkeeper-batter, who wasn’t named in Cricket South Africa (CSA)’s latest central contracts, said he made the decision after carefully considering what was best for him and his family for the future, while also citing his need to spend more time with loved ones. “To have played with the Proteas badge on my chest was and will always be the biggest honour in my career,” he wrote in a detailed statement on Instagram. “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.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Heinrich Klaasen (@heinie45) Although he’ll continue to play T20 leagues around the world, probably including the IPL, fans felt that his retirement took away some of the flavor from international cricket. Several took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their sadness at the development. One user wrote: “Heinrich Klaasen retires and it’s way too soon? one of the finest and a absolute match winner who could change any game. he deserved a better international ending ?” For another, the shock of seeing Glenn Maxwell call off his ODI career earlier in the day followed by this was too much. “Two retirements already for the day with Maxwell and Klaasen. Any more coming?” the user wrote. Check some other reactions here: Used to watch SA games with same intensity as Indian matches for Henrich Klaasen, now it wont be same anymore. pic.twitter.com/VEWGA9ckmg — Harishwar Reddy (@ReddyMnc16) June 2, 2025 Morning – Maxwell retired from ODIs. Noon – Klaasen retired from International Cricket. Evening – ? — Bhawana (@cricbhawana) June 2, 2025 Highest strike rate in ODIs (min 50 innings) 126.70 – Glenn Maxwell ?? 117.05 – Heinrich Klaasen ?? Both announced their retirement today! — Rohit Yadav (@cricrohit) June 2, 2025 When AB de Villiers retired, I thought Klaasen would be the man to succeed him back in 2018. The announcement of his retirement just days after his IPL campaign ended has a very AB feel to it. A bolt from nowhere! #CricketTwitter — Soorya Sesha (@sooryasesha7) June 2, 2025 Don’t care one bit about international cricket but sad because we will now see less of Heinrich Klaasen. — Aayush Mahajan (@CricGlance) June 2, 2025 Klaasen made his international debut in 2018 against India and played four Tests, 60 ODIs and 58 T20Is for the Proteas, scoring 104, 2141, and 1000 runs in the respective formats.