Mushtaq has been vital in three County Championship title victories

Sussex hope to resolve the issue of their former Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed's decision to sign for the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL).

The ICL has not been recognised by the International Cricket Council.

And the England and Wales Cricket Board has brought its stance into line with other national bodies by banning ICL players from their domestic leagues.

Sussex are now working with the ECB and the Pakistan Cricket Board "in order to clarify the situation".

Chief executive Gus Mackay confirmed that Sussex had received a letter from the PCB on 7 February, confirming they had no objection to Mushtaq playing for Sussex in 2008.

However, the PCB has indicated that its decision to issue a No Objections Certificate (NOC) could be affected if a player participated in an unauthorised event.

The ECB have said they are "determined to disassociate and distance themselves from any promoter, agent or individual involved in such events".

As well as Mushtaq, Hampshire-bound pace bowler Shane Bond may also be affected by the ECB's decision - while another Pakistan bowler, ex-Sussex paceman Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, has been told by Yorkshire he will forfeit his county contract if he plays in the ICL.

Mushtaq has taken 459 first-class wickets in 79 matches for Sussex, helping them to three County Championship titles.