WORCESTERSHIRE today explained their reasons for letting Alamgir Sheriyar move to rivals Kent, revealing that the bowler was uncommitted to the club.

Chief executive Mark Newton said that Tom Moody spent little time making the decision once the left-arm paceman requested a move at the end of the season.

"Neither our director of cricket Tom Moody or myself want players at the club who do not wish to be there," said Newton.

"Alamgir came to us and told us he wanted to leave. He did have a year left to run on his deal but we decided to release him from that.

"The good thing now is that it does free up space for us to bring in a new player. It must be remembered that Alamgir played very few one-day games last season."

The 28-year-old claimed 57 County Championship wickets last season, averaging just over 30, and has claimed almost 500 victims in first-class cricket. He was the country's leading wicket-taker in 1999 with 92 scalps.

However, he had become unsettled in recent seasons and was regularly left out of Worcestershire's one-day set-up.

Yesterday he signed a two-year deal with Worcestershire's Norwich League Division One rivals citing their ambitious talk as his motivation for moving.

"I am truly excited by the prospect of playing for Kent," he said.

"I have been greatly impressed with the club's ambitions and plans and can't wait to get stuck into things next season.

"I feel that a change is the right thing for me at this stage of my career.

"I am only 28 and I hope that this move will provide me with the impetus to achieve much more in the game."

Born in Birmingham, Sheriyar made his debut for Leicestershire in 1994, before moving to Worcestershire in 1996.

He was capped in 1997 and has two hat-tricks to his name, one of them ironically against Kent at New Road in 1999.

His best bowling performance for the County was 7-130 against Hampshire in 1999.

Meanwhile, Worcestershire have still to announce the name of Graeme Hick's successor as captain following his shock sacking last week.

Ben Smith, who enjoyed a successful first season with the County this year following his move from Leicestershire, is believed to be the favourite to take over.