South African batsman AB de Villiers in a shock move has announced his retirement from all international cricket with immediate effect.

The 34-year-old announced the news on his own app on Wednesday, posting a video to his followers.

"It's been a tough decision to make and I've thought long and hard about it but I believe it is my time to step down," he wrote.

"A huge thank you to my team-mates, all the supporters, Cricket South Africa and all the supporters who have been behind me both in SA and around the world."

I’ve made a big decision today pic.twitter.com/In0jyquPOK

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) May 23, 2018

The decision comes as a massive blow to the Proteas, who would have been counting on De Villiers at next year's World Cup at the end of May next year.