Kabir leaves New Road

Kabir Ali took 429 first-class wickets in 10 years at Worcestershire, but the seamer now looks set to join Hampshire

Worcestershire have released fast bowler Kabir Ali from the final year of his contract.

The 29-year-old agreed to join Hampshire on a three-year deal at the end of last season, but the move was blocked when the two clubs failed to agree compensation.

However, Kabir has now agreed terms with the New Road club over his departure, paving the way for a likely switch to the Rose Bowl.

Worcestershire chief executive Mark Newton said: "Kabir has been with the club for 10 years and we are very sorry to see him go.

“During that time he has emerged as one of the best seam bowlers in English county cricket and has played for England.

"He has taken 429 first-class wickets for us at 26.85 and has one of the best strike-rates in domestic cricket.

“This has been a difficult decision for both the club and Kabir. However, we have taken what we believe to be a pragmatic decision and we wish him well in his future career as he seeks to regain his England place. He will always be welcome at New Road.

“The club is happy with the final outcome. Under director of cricket Steve Rhodes, the squad can now prepare for the new season knowing what the situation will be.”

Worcestershire were relegated to division two of the LV= County Championship last season after failing to win any of their 16 games.

Kabir, who has won one Test and 14 one-day international caps, took just 11 wickets in four championship games in a season wrecked by hamstring and back problems.

Worcestershire have already seen wicketkeeper Steven Davies and off-spinner Gareth Batty leave for Surrey, while opening batsman Stephen Moore has joined Lancashire.