Klaasen bows out having reshaped T20-era but missing international honours

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.

- ONGAMA GCWABE

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.

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.