Hampshire lose Warne

16 January 2008

Shane Warne

Hampshire captain Shane Warne will miss the start of the season due to his poker commitments.

The Australian leg-spinner confirmed will take part in several tournaments throughout the year as part of his deal with World Series of Poker.

It had been expected that Warne would sit out the Twenty20 Cup in June, but Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove has since revealed his skipper will not be available for the start of the 2008 campaign.

"We are confident he will back, but we will have to start the season with someone different,” said Bransgrove, referring to the signing of a replacement overseas player.

"I am sure he will finish the season with us and certain he will be back long before that.

"I am going to chat with Shane on 15 February and work out a sensible cricket programme for both of us,” he told BBC Sport.

"I know who the replacement will be but there are still contract issues to finalise and I will announce those plans when they are complete. We have got most of the plans in place for the new season."

Hampshire begin their LV County Championship campaign against champions Sussex at the Rose Bowl on April 16.