Solanki can talk to other counties (From Halesowen News)

Solanki can talk to other counties

5:35pm Friday 13th July 2012 in News By Steve Carley - Midlands Sports Journalist of the Year 2013, @stevecarleyWN

FORMER Worcestershire captain Vikram Solanki has been given permission to talk to other counties.

The 36-year-old, who has spent his entire 17-year first-team career at New Road, including four as skipper, has yet to be offered a new deal by the County.

He said: “I’d like to play at Worcester ideally, but if it’s a case that I need to consider other options, I owe it to myself and my family to explore those options.”

Worcestershire chief executive David Leatherdale said: “Vikram spoke to the club relative to the annual contract appraisal wanting to know where he stood.

“At the moment the club are undecided because we are still halfway though the season and circumstances don’t allow us to guarantee a contract.

“He’s asked if he can speak to other counties and we have allowed him to do that.”

Solanki is averaging 29.46 with the bat in first-class matches this season.