Owais Shah will see out the season with Middlesex before finding a new county © Getty Images Enlarge
Related Links Players/Officials: Eoin Morgan | Owais Shah Series/Tournaments: England Domestic Season Teams: England | Middlesex

Owais Shah has been released by Middlesex, leaving him searching for a new county. He was angered after only being told of the decision through a friend. On a busy day the club also confirmed Eoin Morgan had signed a new deal while Chris Rogers, the Australia opener, had already announced his move from Derbyshire.

Shah, who has played two Tests, 71 ODIs and 17 Twenty20s for England, has been a regular throughout the season but Middlesex have had another disappointing campaign and Angus Fraser, the managing director of cricket, wanted to freshen up the squad.

However, Shah's agent issued a statement hitting out at the way a senior player was released and said the situation was "quite disgraceful."

"Owais was very surprised and hurt that he was not the first one to know the club were going to release him," his agent John E. Barnett said. "If they don't want to sign him again, that's their entitlement but at least have the decency to speak to the player about it before alerting the media.

"It is quite disgraceful that the county allowed this to happen. I feel very hurt for him. Why did other people know about it before the player did? That's the hurtful thing - it's bad enough if you're going to release someone, but at least do it properly."

Fraser said it was a tough decision to release Shah but added he is expected to play the remaining games of the season for Middlesex.

"Saying goodbye to a player who has represented your club with distinction for such a long period of time is very hard," Fraser said. "I have always been extremely fond of Owais, who began to emerge as a player of exceptional talent as my playing career reached its conclusion. It was a delight to watch him go on to play and perform well for England.

"I believe the Middlesex team has reached a point where it needs freshening up if the fortunes of the young side are to continue to improve," he added. "Owais has worked hard and given total commitment to Middlesex in 2010 but I feel that a change will be good for both him and the club. It goes without saying that I wish him well wherever he goes and I am sure he will score plenty of runs there. Owais will always be welcome at Lord's where he has many friends and admirers.

"Owais will play in Middlesex's remaining fixtures this season, giving the club's supporters a final chance to show their appreciation for one of the clubs leading modern players."

There had been speculation that Middlesex would sign Kevin Pietersen, who needs a permanent county after leaving Hampshire, but that possibility receded when a temporary deal couldn't be arranged for the end of this season. Pietersen subsequently joined Surrey after being omitted from England's one-day squad.

Middlesex, though, won't be short of international cricketers after retaining Morgan's services despite interest from Warwickshire, Sussex and Surrey. Although the county may not see much of Morgan due to his England commitments, Fraser was pleased to retain a quality player as he looked towards the future with the club.

"Everybody is thrilled that Eoin has committed his future to the club," Fraser said. "The thought of seeing another county's name against his on England team sheets is not something that appealed to me or anyone at Middlesex.

"Middlesex are extremely proud to have played a leading role in his development and, indeed, that the club is currently supplying the England Test team with three of its cricketers. I believe we have the personnel at the club that will help Eoin achieve everything he wants to as a cricketer."

"I am delighted to continue my career at Middlesex," Morgan said. "I started my association with Middlesex as a sixteen-year old, and the club have played a major role in me getting to where I am now. The future of the club looks very healthy and I am looking forward to playing my part when my England commitments allow."