South Africa Head Coach Conrad Weighs In On Klaasen’s International Exit

South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad has spoken out on Heinrich Klaasen’s international retirement. He expressed his disappointment with his decision, dismissing the speculations of a rift between them.

Heinrich Klaasen announced his exit from international cricket on Monday. This marks his appearance in the Champions Trophy semi final, his last international game for South Africa. He had already stepped away from the red-ball format in January 2024.

Conrad Disappointed With Klaasen’s Retirement

Upon his appointment, head coach Shukri Conrad announced that Proteas would no longer be allowed to miss white-ball series for T20 league cricket. This compulsion coincided with Klaasen’s plan of focusing more on T20 league matches.

Rumours suggested that the keeper-batter decided to retire following Conrad’s appointment. However, Conrad believes that these rumours are not true.

“Obviously, if you lose a player of the calibre of Heinrich Klaasen, you’d be disappointed,” Conrad told the media at South Africa’s warm-up match against Zimbabwe at Arundel. “But if that’s the narrative that you want to espouse, that I’m the common factor, then be my guest.

I haven’t even had a conversation with Heinrich. He turned down the contract long before I was even a thought in the white-ball space. It’s really unfortunate that we lose a player of his calibre. He’s one of the best in the world, if not the best, among the white ball middle-order batters.”

‘He’s obviously got really good reasons’

Conrad stated that Klaasen must have a reason behind his decision and that it should be respected.

“I’d be disappointed if it [Klaasen retiring to favour leagues] was, because we didn’t have a conversation,” Conrad said. “I think if guys pre-signed deals prior to me coming on board, I certainly wasn’t going to come in there and say, ‘Well, you have got to withdraw from whatever you pre-signed.’ So without us ever having a conversation, I’d be disappointed if that was why he retired.

From the little bit I know, I know Heinrich from way back when he was at the academy, kept in the academy sides when I was the coach. I’d be very surprised if he was as short-sighted as that. I think he’s obviously got really good reasons for why he’s retired, and we’ve got to respect that.”

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