Kabir 'accepts' Hampshire offer

Kabir has one year left to run on his contract with Worcestershire

Worcestershire fast bowler Kabir Ali has accepted an offer to join Hampshire, according to his advisor.

Kabir, 28, agreed a move to The Rose Bowl before being told he could not leave New Road unless Worcestershire receive £60,000 compensation.

His advisor, Roger Newman, told BBC Hereford and Worcester: "Kabir Ali has accepted an offer from Hampshire.

"All he would like to do is play cricket at Hampshire next season and to regain his place playing for England."

On Thursday, Worcestershire chief executive Mark Newton said Kabir, who has one year left on his contract at New Road, would be staying at the club after a deadline passed for him to agree a deal to leave.

But Newman is now asking the Worcestershire board to reconsider their demand for compensation in order for Kabir to move to the south coast.

"We have asked Worcestershire to reconsider their decision at a board meeting on 12 October," said Newman.

"He's not in a position to pay it, so he's still a Worcestershire player."

When asked if Kabir will play for Worcestershire again, Newman replied: "I think that's up to Worcestershire, the ball is firmly in their court.

"Kabby has asked for his release for purely cricketing reasons. There is no financial incentive.

"Hampshire would like him to join them, but Worcestershire have a right to ask him to see out the remainder of his contract.

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"He will respect that right and, if he is asked to, will continue to play the best he can for Worcestershire next season."

Newton said on Friday that the Worcestershire board would not change their mind at the forthcoming meeting, but hinted a deal could yet be struck.

"At the moment Kabir is contractually a Worcestershire player. That will not change in the foreseeable future," said Newton.

"That decision has already been taken by the board so the board meeting on 12 October is irrelevant to this.

"All lines of communication will remain open. At the moment Kabir is a Worcestershire player but, if anyone phones me up and says can we talk, then of course we will talk."