Kabir career in limbo after Lancashire release

The career of former England fast bowler Kabir Ali is once again in limbo after his was released by Lancashire. He requires a length period of rehabilitation following shoulder surgery.

Kabir, 33, is now looking for a fourth county to extend his career that has seen him play 15 times for England.

Kabir spent two seasons at Lancashire. He was used exclusively as a one-day bowler in 2013 but played seven Championship matches last season taking a respectable 17 wickets at 30.41.

But his season was curtailed by injury that required surgery and the uncertainty around a return to full fitness saw Lancashire not offer Kabir a new deal. For a player whose career has been blighted by injuries, his future as a professional is surely in doubt.

Injury also saw his time at Hampshire, who he joined after 10 years at Worcestershire in 2010, limited to just 33 appearances in three years as he struggled with knee and ankle problems.

"While Kabir has only been with Lancashire for two years, he has made a significant contribution particularly in the one-day formats," Ashley Giles, Lancashire's recently-appointed cricket director said.

"The injury came at a really unfortunate time for him and we would all like to thank him for his contribution at Old Trafford. We wish him well for the future."

Kabir added: "I have had an enjoyable time at Lancashire and I have made some good friends along the way. My injury came at the wrong time and I will assess my situation after my rehabilitation in six months' time."

Kabir enjoyed an excellent start to his career that began at Worcestershire. He took 71 first-class wickets at 25.08 in 2002 and followed up with 67 at 23.16 a year later. They were numbers that brought him selection for England and his Test debut came in August 2003 against South Africa at Headingley. He also played in the Champions Trophy a year later.