Thomas impressed for Somerset during last year's FP t20 campaign

Somerset bowler Alfonso Thomas wants to keep playing for the county despite joining an Indian Premier League side.

The 33-year-old South African, who will captain Somerset in this month's Caribbean T20, has joined Sahara Pune Warriors for £64,200.

He told BBC Somerset: "I'm a big fan of loyalty, I think it goes a very long way. I hope we can sit down and work something out.

"I would hate to see Somerset not being looked after."

He added: "Somerset have been really good to me. My wife is English and I was very keen to move to England.

"Somerset gave me that opportunity, so it's not going to be a case of 'thanks very much for three years, but I'm out of here'."

Thomas, who joined Somerset in 2008, will play alongside former county team-mate Murali Kartik and under former Australia coach Geoff Marsh for the IPL debutants.

He said: "It's definitely something I want to be in. I think it's the closest I'll come to playing international cricket. It's nice to know a couple of clubs want my services.

"From a captain's point of view Marcus [Trescothick, Somerset skipper] is not keen to let me go. But at the same time, he said it's a fantastic opportunity.

We will look to see what Alfonso decides to do and will support him whatever decision he makes Somerset chief executive Richard Gould

"It will be good to test my skills against the best in the world and hopefully things can work out for both parties."

Somerset chief executive Richard Gould told the club website: "We think it is excellent that Alfonso has got the recognition that he deserves.

"We will look to see what Alfonso decides to do and will support him whatever decision he makes.

"During his time away from Somerset his salary will be deducted on a pro-rata basis so Alfonso needs to do his sums to see whether or not the finances stick up for him."

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