FORMER Worcestershire batsman Adrian Shankar is at the centre of a police probe over allegations of providing a false document to earn a two-year deal at New Road.

The player, who had his contract terminated on Thursday, is alleged to have provided the club with a document to show his age was 26, which would qualify the County to receive payments from the England and Wales Cricket Board under the young player incentives scheme.

But it is believed Shankar, who played three trial matches for the County’s second XI in 2003, is actually 29 and Worcestershire have called in West Mercia Police to investigate.

The ex-Lancashire second XI batsman also claimed he shone in a cricket tournament in Sri Lanka in the winter but no evidence of that competition can be found.

The whole saga has left the County embarrassed and while the ECB have said they are aware of Worcestershire terminating his registration and contract, they may opt to look at the matter themselves following the conclusion of the police investigation.

Shankar, who made his first-team debut for the County at Middlesex on May 17, picked up an injury during the LV= County Championship Division One match against Durham last week.

But, since sustaining the knee problem, circumstances surrounding how he was signed by the County have started to unravel.

Worcestershire tonight released a statement which said: “Adrian Shankar was signed by Worcestershire CCC on May 10 after agreeing terms.

“It quickly became evident that documents provided in order to satisfy the club’s obligations to the England and Wales Cricket Board were unacceptable.

“This documentation has now been passed to West Mercia Police for investigation and no further comment will be made by the club while the investigation is taking place.”

Inspector Vikki Reay said: “West Mercia Police have been notified by Worcestershire CCC regarding this issue.

“Information passed to the officers is now being investigated.”

An ECB spokesperson said: “We have been notified by Worcestershire that Shankar’s contract and registration have been terminated by mutual consent. We have no further comment to make at this time.”