Ervine has scored 698 runs in one-day cricket for Zimbabwe

Hampshire have confirmed that all-rounder Sean Ervine will leave the Rose Bowl to resume his international career with Zimbabwe.

The 28-year-old is expected to receive a call-up to Zimbabwe's ICC World Cup squad later this month and will revert to overseas status in order to play.

"International cricket is my ultimate goal," Ervine told BBC Radio Solent.

"It's tough to leave Hampshire, which I hold as family. They've looked after me and I give them every praise possible."

Ervine, who has 42 one-day caps for his country, made his debut for Hampshire in 2005 and will sign off his career with the county in the forthcoming Caribbean T20 tournament.

606: DEBATE Give your reaction to Sean Ervine's exit

Hampshire still have an overseas player in leg spinner Imran Tahir, but the Pakistani was recently named in South Africa's 14-man squad to play India in their five-match one-day international series.

Although the call-up will not affect the 31-year-old's overseas status at Hampshire, he could miss their pre-season if selected in South Africa's World Cup squad in February.

The 2011 ICC World Cup is due to start on 19 February and the final 15-man national squad will be selected later this month.

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