Former South Africa wicketkeeper Mark Boucher has revealed that it is "unlikely" he will be able to play professional cricket in the near future.

Boucher has undergone a series of operations since suffering a freak eye injury last month and was forced to retire from international cricket.

The 35-year-old was hopeful of continuing his professional career, but he has ruled out a return to the game in the immediate future.

"It has been a difficult time for me mentally and physically," Boucher said.

"I have had two major operations and four blood draining operations in the past three weeks and physically, at times, I have been in a lot of pain.

"It is unlikely that I will play any professional cricket again in the near future, which is very unfortunate as I was looking forward to contributing as a player for the Cobras."

Boucher made 999 dismissals in his international career.