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In a heartfelt announcement on Instagram, South African cricketer Heinrich Klaasen has officially retired from international cricket, marking the end of a significant chapter in his professional journey. Known for his powerful hitting and resilience under pressure, Klaasen leaves behind a legacy of determination, grit, and pride in representing his nation.The 33-year-old wicketkeeper-batter shared a personal and emotional message with fans, revealing that the decision to retire was a difficult one, but ultimately made with clarity and peace. “It is a sad day for me as I announce that I have decided to step away from international cricket,” Klaasen wrote. “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.”Klaasen went on to express his deep gratitude for the opportunity to wear the Proteas jersey, describing it as the “biggest privilege” and a dream fulfilled from his childhood. “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. I have made great friendships and relationships that I will treasure for life,” he added.Acknowledging the many individuals who played a pivotal role in his career, Klaasen gave thanks to coaches who never gave up on him and supporters who stood by the team throughout the highs and lows.Heinrich Klaasen's International CareerHeinrich Klaasen made his international debut in 2018 and quickly became known for his explosive batting in limited-overs formats. Over the years, he played several memorable innings for South Africa, especially in T20 and ODI matches, becoming a fan favorite for his fearless style of play.While stepping away from the international stage, Klaasen affirmed that he would continue to support the Proteas and looks forward to spending more time with his family.“To have played with the Proteas badge on my chest was and will always be the biggest honour in my career. I will always be a big Proteas supporter and would like to thank everyone that supported me and my teammates during my career,” added Klaasen.Though his international career has come to a close, Klaasen is expected to remain active in domestic and franchise cricket, where he has also made a name for himself globally.