Jim Allenby to leave Leicestershire

Jim Allenby, the Australian-born allrounder, will leave Leicestershire after failing to sign a contract extension. His three-year extension offer was withdrawn, after Allenby failed to sign it before the July 31 deadline, because he wanted more time to make a decision.

Earlier this month, Allenby indicated he wanted to play for England, an ambition which was the cause of the delay in signing a new deal at Grace Road. "I'm extremely disappointed. I hadn't made my mind up to leave the club. I was considering all my options with advice from people I trust," Allenby told the Leicester Mercury. "It is the most important decision of my career. If I am going to play for England, it will happen in that time."

David Smith, Leicestershire's chief executive, said that Allenby approached the club about a possible contract extension over a year ago, and was offered a two-year extension. "He decided to circulate his details to other counties during May of the current season," Smith said. "The club then made an improved three-year contract offer in early June as we saw Jim as an important part of the future.

"During the last few days, the club has worked closely with the players association (PCA) to find an agreement but, following a meeting on Wednesday, Jim confirmed that he would not agree to sign the contract before the pre-agreed deadline."