SRH to release Heinrich Klaasen, add Rs 23 crore to purse before auction

Sunrisers Hyderabad are reportedly set to part ways with Heinrich Klaasen before the IPL 2026 auction. The former South African star was retained for a whopping sum of Rs 23 crore before IPL 2025, making him the costliest retention. Although Klaasen has fared well for SRH over the years, the team is keen on letting of of the star, which will add an enormous amount to their auction purse.

SRH to release Klaasen ahead of IPL 2026?

As per Times of India, an industry source claimed that it would be a smart move if SRH decided to release Klaasen before IPL 2026 auction. The source stated that by getting rid of the Proteas star, SRH will be able to assemble a formidable pace unit while also fix their middle-order issues. However, the source also claimed that SRH could even try to buy back the South African for a lesser price at the IPL 2026 mini-auction, which could be a win-win for both the team and Klaasen.

“There are strong murmurs and it could well be a smart move by SRH if they do that. Going into the auction with Rs 23 crore more allows them a reasonable shot to fill in the crucial gaps – assemble a penetrating bowling attack and get their middle-order act right. They can even have a fair shot at getting the South African back (for) around Rs 15 crore and the balance can help them do some effective shopping,” says an industry source told the publication.

Klaasen has been a part of SRH since IPL 2023. He has managed to go past the 400-run mark in each season that he has played for the franchise. IPL 2025 was his best season where he amassed 487 runs including a century and half-century each, averaging 44.27.