New Delhi, June 2 -- South Africa's Heinrich Klaasen on Monday announced a shock retirement from all formats of international cricket. Klaasen's international retirement came as a huge blow for South Africa ahead of their co-hosting of the 2027 World Cup where he would have been a major draw card in the batting line-up.

Having already called it time in Test cricket in 2024, the 33-year-old's retirement from white-ball cricket came as a shock to many. However, the hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batter will maintain his presence felt on the global T20 league circuit.

The last time Klaasen wore a South African jersey was during the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal against New Zealand in Dubai a few months back. The Proteas lost in the last four s...