Jayawardene is considered one of the world's best batsmen

Derbyshire have announced that Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene will not be joining the club this season.

It was hoped the 30-year-old would arrive after the Indian Premier League ends in June but his commitments with Sri Lanka led to a change of plan.

Derbyshire's chief executive Tom Sears told BBC Radio Derby: "When we signed Mahela there was a significant window where he could come and represent us.

"But the Asia Cup has changed dates and there is an India tour of Sri Lanka."

Derbyshire had already signed Australian left-hander Chris Rogers as their back-up for Jayawardene, who is considered to be one of the best batsmen in the world.

We have left things on a very positive note with Mahela and there is a strong possibility we will look at him coming to Derbyshire at some stage in the future Derbyshire head of cricket John Morris

Head of cricket John Morris said: "It is a shame that Mahela will not be coming this year but we took the sensible option of securing Chris Rogers' services some weeks ago and he will play as our overseas player.

"Chris is an outstanding player with an excellent track record in county cricket and we are delighted to have him on board for an extended spell.

"We may look to bring someone in specifically for the Twenty20 Cup or Chris may play the whole season, that is something we will decide together in the coming weeks.

"We have left things on a very positive note with Mahela and there is a strong possibility we will look at him coming to Derbyshire at some stage in the future."

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Jayawardene added: "I was really looking forward to playing for Derbyshire this season and I am very disappointed that the dates did not work this time.

"I wish the club success during the coming season and hope that one day I will be able to play for them."