Worcs firm on Kabir compensation

Kabir played one Test match for England against South Africa in 2003

Worcestershire chief executive Mark Newton has said that their demand for £60,000 compensation for Kabir Ali is "non-negotiable".

Kabir was given permission to speak to other counties and agreed a deal with Hampshire, but will not be allowed to leave New Road until the fee is paid.

"The compensation has not been paid, so he is still a Worcestershire player," Newton told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"We're not going to budge. All things are negotiable, but not the price."

After allowing Kabir, who has one year left to run on his contract, to speak to other counties, Worcestershire gave the 28-year-old a deadline of 30 September to seal a deal with another club.

606: DEBATE

England selectors have long memories. Kabir, your constant moaning and groaning the last few years will leave you well down the pecking order

100notoutatnumber11

The England paceman agreed a move to the Rose Bowl, but remains a Worcestershire player because the compensation has not been paid.

Kabir's advisor, Roger Newman, then asked the Worcestershire board to reconsider their demand for the fee, a request that has been turned down.

"He [Newman] wrote to me and I circulated that to the board," said Newton.

"The board came back unanimously that we are sticking to the fee."

But Newton acknowledged that should Kabir remain at New Road, he may receive a frosty reception on his return to the dressing room.

All he will have to do is play cricket and then everything that has happened this year will be forgotten

Mark Newton

"When players say they want to move on, it's amazing how other players don't like that happening because they think everyone should want to play for this club," added Newton.

"But, when Kabby is back here next year, all he will have to do is play cricket and then everything that has happened this year will be forgotten.

"Whether he then stays at the end of next season - who knows?"