Former Proteas seamer Rory Kleinveldt has retired from first-class cricket with immediate effect.
Kleinveldt made the announcement shortly after the Cape Cobras’s six-wicket loss to the Warriors in a key 4-Day Franchise Series fixture at Newlands in Cape Town on Thursday.
‘Finally lost the love for the toil! Been a great ride and made some unbelievable memories. Love to all my teammates, coaches, family and friends for the support over the 17 years,’ tweeted Kleinveldt.
The 35-year-old clinched 454 wickets, including 20 innings five-fors and two match 10-fors, between 2002 and 2019 – and enjoyed successful stints with Northamptonshire in English county cricket.
‘I can honestly say it’s been a great few years for me here. I’m leaving with some amazing memories and wish the lads all the best for the future,’ said Kleinveldt after leaving Northants in mid-2018.
Head coach David Ripley added: ‘Rory has been a strong character in the dressing room and has never taken a backward step.
‘He’s a fine competitor with bat or ball and I’ve really enjoyed having him around.’ He played four Tests, 10 ODIs and six T20Is between 2008 and 2013.
The right-arm seamer represented the Tshwane Spartans in the inaugural Mzansi Super League in South Africa late last year. He will continue to play Twenty20 and List A competition.
Photo: Gallo
