Why Prominent Cricketers Like Heinrich Klaasen and Nicholas Pooran Left International Cricket Soon?

In the recent past, several cricketers have started retiring from international cricket at a young age. This has become a growing trend. Some top players are stepping away from the international stage in their late 20s or early 30s.

West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran shocked the cricket world in June 2025. At just 29 years old, he announced his retirement from international cricket. Pooran has been one of the most exciting white-ball players in recent times. He played 61 ODIs and 106 T20Is for the West Indies.

In another shocking decision, South African wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen also retired from international cricket recently. He made the decision at the age of 33. Klaasen has been an important player for South Africa in both ODIs and T20Is. He was known for his power-hitting and smart game sense.
Klaasen retirement made the fans wonder why cricketers are retiring at a young age.

So, what is the reason behind Heinrich Klaasen and Nicholas Pooran Retirement? Let’s dig deep into some of the reasons behind this change.

What Is The Reason For Nicholas Pooran Retirement After Heinrich Klaasen?

While it was a shock to see both of the prominent limited-overs players retiring from international cricket, there were some possible reasons for their decision. Both players have a lot of cricket left in them, but are not too interested in contributing to their national team anymore. Both Klaasen and Pooran are two of the most devastating batters in world cricket and possess the ability to change the course of the game on their own. Here are some of the possible reasons why they have retired from international cricket

Huge Money in Franchise Cricket

One of the biggest reasons for Heinrich Klaasen and Nicholas Pooran retirement is the huge amount of money in franchise cricket. Players now earn more money playing in leagues like the IPL, BBL, CPL, SA20, MLC, and ILT20. These leagues offer shorter tournaments and bigger paychecks.
Unlike national duty, franchise cricket does not require year-round travel.

Players can choose where and when they want to play. For cricketers, this means less stress and more income. Pooran and Klaasen, like many others, have contracts in top leagues being the top T20 cricketers in the world. This makes it easier to step away from international cricket and concentrate fully on franchise cricket.

Family and Personal Life

Another major reason for their decision could be family commitments. International cricket takes players away from their homes for long periods. Tours can last for months. Players miss birthdays, anniversaries, and important family moments during peak moments of their lives. Players mention that he wants to spend more time with his loved ones.

With franchise cricket, players have more flexibility. They can travel less and stay closer to home. This balance is important for many cricketers today. Mental health and personal happiness are now bigger priorities. Adding to this, they are earning more revenue from franchise cricket, which contributes to their family's future.

Pressure of Multiple Formats

International cricket has become very demanding. There are three main formats: Test, ODI, and T20I. Each format has its own challenges. Switching between them quickly is not easy. Players need to train differently for each format. The fast-paced nature of modern cricket can lead to physical and mental fatigue. Some cricketers feel burnt out.
By choosing to play only T20 franchise leagues, players reduce this pressure. They don’t have to switch between formats. They can focus on shorter, high-energy games and recover better between matches.

Pooran and Klaasen are not alone. Many other players have also taken early exits from international cricket. England’s Alex Hales and even New Zealand’s Devon Conway chose to focus more on leagues in the final stages of their careers. This trend might continue as the number of T20 leagues around the world grows. Cricket boards like South Africa and West Indies may need to adjust to keep their top players interested in playing for their country.