Leicestershire's preparations for the new season have been hit by the news South African all-rounder Dillon du Preez has been refused a work permit.

Du Preez, who took 32 Championship wickets at an average of 22.81 last season, had his application rejected by the England & Wales Cricket Board.

Chief executive David Smith told BBC Radio Leicester: "We were aware this could happen at the end of last year.

"We are sad to see that Dillon won't be coming back."

But Smith was not bitter about the decision.

He said: "The type of players that will be getting work permits in the future will actually be those who have played Test cricket for their countries."

Du Preez made quite an impression in one-day cricket for the Foxes last year, with the highlight being a century off 65 balls against Yorkshire at Headingley in the Pro40 competition.

Having played for the Foxes as a Kolpak (non-overseas) player, he is currently plying his trade in his native South Africa for the Eagles.

Smith added that the county would be on the lookout for depth in the bowling department: "We are trying to look for a replacement which will hopefully be an overseas bowler from about late June onwards."

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