Misbah 'turned down' Worcestershire

Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan's Test and ODI captain, has revealed he refused a a lucrative two-year deal to play for Worcestershire, due to it clashing with his national team commitments.

Worcestershire, relegated last season, were looking for an overseas batsman after it became clear Australian Phil Hughes, who played at New Road in 2012, was not going to be available. Worcs held exploratory talks with Misbah earlier this year but failed to reach an agreement on a lengthy deal for the entire season.

"It was potentially a lucrative deal for me but it was actually clashing with my international commitment," Misbah told ESPNcricinfo. "They actually offered me a two-year contract with an extension of one more year on mutual agreement.

"Playing county is obviously a great experience but for a while I think I have a key role in Pakistan cricket and I am fully committed to the team."

Worcestershire, who drew their opening Championship fixture against Lancashire, ultimately signed former Sri Lanka middle-order batsman Thilan Samaraweera for the 2013 season.