Hampshire are urgently seeking a replacement for Wasim

The 37-year-old was signed as a replacement for Australian Shane Warne, who was unable to play for the club this summer after being banned for a year for failing a drugs test, in a deal believed to be worth �100,000.

But he has only played in five of their eight Championship matches because of health problems, taking 20 wickets.

Wasim was due to play in the current game against Glamorgan, but told team officials on Monday that he wanted to leave following a consultation with his doctor.

"He's been struggling for a bit. He's missed the odd game with various ailments through tonsilitis, fevers, stuff like that.

Have Your Say: What now for Hampshire?

"He's just made the call that he needs to check out his health and has stopped playing straight away because of it," team manager Paul Terry told BBC Sport.

"We're very disappointed but obviously the most important thing for him is to get his health right, so we accept that."

When signing for the club, Wasim said: "The aim is for Hampshire to gain promotion in both competitions this year, and I hope to be able to play a part in that ambition."

But they have yet to win a game in the County Championship and lie second from bottom in the Division Two table.

Wasim Akram stats Born: 03/6/1966 Tests: 104 Test wickets: 414 Average: 23.62 One-day caps: 356 One-day wickets: 502 Average: 23.52 Curtain closing on Wasim

They have performed better in the one-day National League, with five wins so far putting them in fourth place.

Prior to signing Wasim, Hampshire had originally targeted his compatriot Shoaib Akhtar, but decided against pursuing their interest in the paceman because of his international commitments.

Shoaib is now unavailable as a potential replacement as he has already signed a deal with Durham for the rest of the summer.

"We're currently having a look at the options - we haven't got any names to give out at the moment. We're having a look around to see what's available," Terry added.

One possibility might be Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak, who spent a season with the club in 1995.

Hampshire could, however, be about to lose a second seam bowler with Ed Giddins set to announce his retirement, according to reports.

Director of Cricket Tim Tremlett said club officials would be meeting Giddins, who played four Tests for England in 1999-2000, on Wednesday to discuss his situation.