Australia v New Zealand - ODI Game 1
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 13: Colin de Grandhomme of New Zealand bats during game one of the One Day International series between Australia and New Zealand at Sydney Cricket Ground on March 13, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Australia v New Zealand - ODI Game 1

New Zealand all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme has announced a shock retirement from the international game.

De Grandhomme was announced as a second-round pick during the inaugural BBL player draft on Sunday evening, with the Strikers pointing to his ability with both bat and ball, as well as his availability for the entire tournament, as key factors in their decision.

It came as a surprise given de Grandhomme wasn't on any officially released list of players who had nominated for the draft.

It has been revealed afterwards that his paperwork only was submitted hours before the nomination deadline, and a delay in processing caused him to not be publically known as available to be drafted.

The air of uncertainty grew after the draft, with the New Zealand Cricket Board revealing they knew nothing of his intention to play in the BBL.

Any player who has played for their country in the past two years or is centrally contract (which de Grandhomme was) needs a no objection certificate to play in a foreign league.

That no objection certificate will still be needed, however, will be easier to come by after de Grandhomme revealed he wouldn't be playing for New Zealand any further.

“I accept that I am not getting any younger and that the training is getting harder, particularly with the injuries,” de Grandhomme said.

“I also have a growing family and am trying to understand what my future looks like post-cricket. All of this has been on my mind over the past few weeks.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to play for the Blackcaps since debuting in 2012 and I’m proud of my international career - but I feel this is the right time to finish.”

New Zealand Cricket could still tie the allrounder to the domestic T20 tournament - known as the Super Smash - to be held in January.