Worcestershire still on course to sign Allan Donald despite UCBSA doubts

Reports coming from South Africa that Worcestershire's attempts to sign Allan Donald as a replacement for their overseas player Andy Bichel had run into trouble have been dismissed by the county as no more than a technical hitch. Worcestershire have gone through the right channels, but the information had not permeated to all levels of the United Cricket Board of South Africa's administration.

Bichel was selected for Australia's proposed series against Pakistan in June and Donald has been signed on a short-term contract as his replacement. However, Gerald Majola, chief executive of the UCBSA, admitted that he had been unaware of the situation with Worcestershire until the announcement that Donald had signed for them.

"There is a very specific clause in the players contracts that precludes them from working for another employer without permission, and Allan hasn't spoken to me," Majola said.

He was also unaware that Donald has been turning out for Birmingham League club Knowle and Dorridge as a professional. "That's news to me. He should have sought permission," Majola said before conceding that it is not out of the question that the bowler might yet play county cricket.

"If he asks permission then I will consult the national physiotherapist Craig Smith to get a report on his physical fitness. If Craig says he is fit then we would consider releasing him."

The main concern of the South Africans is that Donald, at 36 years of age, should conserve his energies to spearhead their attack in the World Cup that takes place on home soil in 2003. Similar concerns were expressed when captain Shaun Pollock was allowed to play for Warwickshire this season.

Speaking to CricInfo, Worcestershire chief executive Mark Newton is confident that the matter will be resolved shortly. "We have done everything we were supposed to do and expect confirmation of Allan's availability at any time now."

It appears that Donald himself spoke to the new chairman of selectors, Omar Henry, while the club contacted Brian Basson, the director of cricket operations in South Africa. However, a breakdown in communications at the UCBSA meant that the chief executive was not fully apprised of the situation when making his comments.