Worcestershire release Kabir Ali
Worcestershire release Kabir Ali from the final year of his contract
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Thursday, 21, Jan 2010 01:54
By inthenews.co.uk staff.
Worcestershire county cricket club have announced the release of fast bowler Kabir Ali from the final season of his contract in 2010.
Ali has expressed his desire to leave the club in recent months so he can rejoin former team-mate Simon Jones at Hampshire, although issues over compensation for the player had provided a stumbling block over any deal.
However, after Ali refused to attend the club's recent pre-season training camp, Worcestershire have been forced to act - releasing Ali from the last year of his contract.
Chief executive Mark Newton said: "Kabir has been with the club for ten years and we are very sorry to see him go.
"During that time he has emerged as one of the best seam bowlers in English county cricket and has played for England. He has taken 429 first class wickets for us at 26.85 and has one of the best strike rates in domestic cricket."
Newton described it as "a difficult decision" for both the club and the player but said it was "pragmatic" and allows both parties to move on and turn their focus to the new season.
"The club is happy with the final outcome," Newton added.
"Under director of cricket Steve Rhodes, the squad can now prepare for the new season knowing what the situation will be."