McLaren to remain Kolpak player

South African all-rounder Ryan McLaren appears set to stay with Kent on his ‘Kolpak’ deal.

McLaren was recently named by South Africa in a one-day international squad but had to pull out because of his Kent contract - and his county employers have confirmed the 25-year-old will return to Canterbury next season on the same terms.

Ryan McLaren will lose his 'Kolpak' status if he plays for South Africa

Chief executive Paul Millman told Kent's website: “We have been in regular discussions with Ryan and his agent Arthur Turner over the last few days following Cricket South Africa’s approach to Ryan.

“Ryan has always recognised the commitment he has made to Kent cricket - and while we know that he is flattered by the approach from Cricket South Africa we are, of course, delighted that he has acknowledged that his contractual commitments to the club must stand.”

South Africa’s interest in McLaren was reawakened during their shock NatWest Series mauling by a resurgent England late last summer.

Proteas coach Mickey Arthur made his intentions clear to try to persuade the player to revisit his international ambitions with his native country.

But Kent, relegated from Division One of the LV County Championship on the last day of the season, were resistant from the outset to any change in McLaren’s status.