Overseas shocker

By David Slater
January 21 2004

Middlesex today announced the shocking news that with only 3 months till the new season starts, they are still looking for overseas players. Ashley Noffke has decided he should rest his back this summer, whilst Anil Kumble was refused clearnce for the India board. Offical statement follows...

MIDDLESEX LOOKING FOR OVERSEAS PLAYERS

Middlesex County Cricket Club today (21st January) announced that they are on the search for overseas players to replace Ashley Noffke and Anil Kumble.

Ashley Noffke has decided that his long-standing back problem would prevent him from taking a full part in the season and therefore, informed the club of his wish to rest during the summer. The club are very grateful to Ashley for his honesty in informing the us of his decision so early and we wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back at Middlesex in the future.

Anil Kumble was very keen to come to Middlesex but the Indian Cricket Board believe that their commitments in the summer would prevent him from playing for the club. Vinny Codrington, Chief Executive, said, "We had sorted things out with Anil before Christmas but didn't announce his signing because we were awaiting clearance from the BCCI, so it was disappointing that it became public knowledge before any permission was given. It is doubly disappointing because Anil would have been a major contributor to the squad, but we perfectly understand the BCCI's and Anil's decision".

For further information, please contact Vinny Codrington, Chief Executive, on 020 7289 1300 or via email: vinny.codrington@middlesexccc.com