Worcestershire face up to Zaheer loss
Worcestershire have confirmed that Zaheer Khan, the Indian Test bowler, will not play for them in 2007.
Cricinfo staff
16-Jan-2007
 |
|
Zaheer, 26, who took over 100 wickets in all competitions for them last season, has worked his way back into the India set-up and has the World Cup, as well as tours to Bangladesh and England to look forward to.
Steve Rhodes, Worcestershire's director of cricket, said: "We have always said we would make the final decision about Zaheer in January. He was a model overseas professional and we are delighted for him that he has re-established himself on the international scene.
"Vikram Solanki and myself drew up a shortlist of alternative possibilities some time ago and we will now have the appropriate discussions with some of those players. We hope to make an announcement in the near future."
Zaheer was keen to state that there is a possibility he will rejoin the club in the future, saying: "I really enjoyed playing with Worcestershire last season and thank them for the opportunity to help me regain my place in the Indian team. I would love to play there again and would like to thank all the people involved, including the members and supporters, for their support throughout the season."
Worcestershire appear to be lining up Australian seamer Nathan Bracken as a possible replacement.
Worcestershire chief executive Mark Newton has said: "Nathan is one we would consider. He is clearly a very good bowler, is performing well at the moment and we are delighted that he is interested but we have still to make a final decision on that".