Worcs back Solanki 'rebel' move
Worcestershire chief executive Mark Newton has revealed that Vikram Solanki's decision to feature in the 'rebel' Indian Cricket League is motivated by a desire to get back into the England set-up.
One-day international batsman Solanki has his eyes set firmly on making the squad for the tour of New Zealand in February, even if his temporary switch to India threatens to upset cricket's establishment.
High-ranking officials have threatened to ban those who take part in the breakaway 20-over tournament, to be held in India from November 30 to December 16, from next autumn's official 'Champions League' style event organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
But Newton insists that no-one at the club will stand in the way of their captain.
"As he has said to us, if he wants to force himself into the England squad for the tour of New Zealand, this is the only meaningful cricket available to him and can act to keep his name in the frame," he said.
"Vikram is free to seek employment as he sees best, as anyone else in this country is, and we do not want to get in the way of that.
"He has to make the best of his talent in the best way possible while understanding the implications to him personally.
"Therefore I would not stop anyone doing what they want to do to make the most of their career."
Fellow county captains Darren Maddy, of Warwickshire, and Leicestershire's Paul Nixon have also signed up while at least one other recent England cap iss expected to participate.
The vast majority of county cricketers are free agents out of season with Solanki's six-month contract at New Road a typical length of deal.
