Mendis was due to join Hampshire after the Asia Cup

Hampshire have cast doubt on whether overseas signing Ajantha Mendis will play for the county this summer.

The Sri Lankan spinner was due to arrive for the second half of the summer, following his participation in the Asia Cup.

But Hampshire manager Giles White told BBC Radio Solent: "We won't expect him to come, but we'll also remain hopeful that he may join us at some stage.

"It's very much up in the air whether the Sri Lankan Board will release him."

Hampshire will also miss out on Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who was due to join the county for the Friends Provident t20 competition.

Afridi has instead opted to captain his country in the Asia Cup and on their forthcoming tour of England.

But Hampshire can count on Pakistani all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, who will make his debut in Thursday's Twenty20 opener against Kent at the Rose Bowl.

Hampshire captain Dimi Mascarenhas also returns from injury to make his first appearance of the season.

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