Boucher rules out returning to cricket in near future

Speaking for the first time about the seriousness of his injury that robbed him of his 1,000th dismissals, Boucher said it was unlikely that he would even be allowed to take on another role in local cricket.

"(This) is very unfortunate as I was looking forward to contributing as a player for the (provincial side) Cobras. The risk of additional damage to my left eye or even damage to the other eye doesn't warrant it," said an emotional Boucher.

The former player suffered a serious eye injury in an accident on the field in England a fortnight ago, which not only forced him to announce an early retirement but also denied him the chance to take his 1,000th wicket, for which he needed just one more.

"Injuries happen and this could have happened earlier on in my career. I am incredibly grateful for the length of career that I have had and the amazing things I have experienced and people I have met during that time," said the veteran cricketer.

"This is just another challenge in my life and something that I will be working on to overcome," he added.

Admitting that he went through a tough time after his accident at Lords in London last month, Boucher said, "I have lost the lens, iris and pupil in my left eye. It has been a difficult time for me mentally and physically.

"It was with many emotions that I left England more than three weeks ago. Although it was common knowledge that Lord's was going to be my last Test match, this injury brought that about earlier and I left England suddenly for an uncertain future regarding my health.

"There was severe damage to my retina. 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," Boucher said. (MORE)