Franklin was due to take the place ear-marked for Mike Kasprowicz

The left-armer injured his knee on tour in South Africa, a scan confirming a cartilage tear that needs surgery.

Franklin, 25, has excelled with bat rather than ball in South Africa, scoring a maiden Test ton last month.

He had not registered with Glamorgan, meaning the county are free to look for an overseas replacement.

Franklin was himself intended as a replacement for Australian Mike Kasprowicz, who pulled out of a planned deal to concentrate on Test cricket.

Because surgery was recommended New Zealand didn't really have a lot of option but to withdraw him from his Glamorgan contract Glamorgan chief executive Mike Fatkin

Australian batsman Mark Cosgrove has proved an early success for Glamorgan after arriving as a replacement for injured first-choice overseas star Matthew Elliott.

"We're bitterly disappointed," said Glamorgan chief executive Mike Fatkin. "James was due to fly over this week, his girlfriend is already here and everything was in place.

"I know James himself is very disappointed. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope there will be an opportunity for him to come over to play for Glamorgan some time in the future.

"He had been experiencing a bit of discomfort with his knee but there had been regular contact between us and New Zealand Cricket and they didn't believe it was anything serious.

"However, they sent him for a precautionary scan this week and it showed up a cartilage tear.

"Because the recommended course of action is surgery they didn't really have a lot of option but to withdraw him from his Glamorgan contract.

"The intention is that provided we can find a suitable replacement we will do so.

"[Director of cricket] John Derrick will be looking for someone to come in instead of James and also at whether there is someone to come in and replace Mark for the period he is away with Australia A."