WORCESTERSHIRE County Cricket Club have parted company with unsettled left-arm paceman Alamgir Sheriyar.

The County mutually agreed to his immediate release despite the 28-year-old having another year left on his contract.

New Road Director of Cricket Tom Moody said today: "Whilst we are sorry to lose Alamgir, he clearly feels his future lies elsewhere and we do not wish to stand in his way at this stage of his career."

No other county has yet been linked with the former Leicestershire campaigner who made his debut for the County in 1996.

Over the last month, however, a couple of counties have spoken to New Road Chief Executive Mark Newton asking him to let them know if Sheriyar ever became available.

Newton said: "Sheriyar has said he would like to move his career on somewhere else. We don't want players at the club who aren't happy or settled in the culture we are developing, but we are always sorry to lose a quality player."

Newton added that Sheriyar's departure could provide the opportunity to find a similar kind of player to fill the gap, "But we have no-one in mind at the moment."

Birmingham-born Sheriyar, who has taken more than 400 first-class wickets during his career, was capped by the County in 1997. Last season he was again a consistent wicket-taker, picking up 57 in the Frizzell County Championship Division Two which included 5-71 against Derbyshire at Derby.

Sheriyar's exit from New Road follows recent rumours about the futures of three other players -- Anurag Singh, Kadeer Ali and Philip Weston.

Newton, however, poured cold water on the speculation, although admitted that Weston has had discussions with other counties. The County opener failed to cement a first team place last season.