Marshall chooses club over country
The Kolpak rule has seen South African Jacques Rudolph sign for Yorkshire as a local player
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Friday, 15, Jun 2007 10:17
New Zealand star Hamish Marshall has walked out on his country to keep playing for Gloucestershire.
The all-rounder has rejected a national contract so he can continue to play as a local player for the second division county side as he holds an Irish passport.
Marshall cannot play for the Black Caps while he plays county cricket as a Kolpak player.
The 28-year-old said snubbing a contract for the 2007/08 season had been a tough call.
"This has been the most difficult decision of my life," Marshall said.
"I have been extremely proud to represent my country during the last six years and have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of my time in the Black Caps.
"I would also like to acknowledge the support I have had from my team-mates, who it has been a pleasure to play alongside.
"This has not been an easy decision but I now look forward to the future and hope that I will still have opportunities to play in New Zealand before my career finishes."
Marshall has not played Test cricket since the tour of South Africa last year. He played three matches in New Zealand's World Cup campaign in the West Indies in April.
The controversial Kolpak rules allow players from countries that have associate agreements with the European Union to enjoy the same employment rights.
Under English cricket laws, Kolpak players must not have played international cricket in the last year.