South African all-rounder Vernon Philander had his contract with English county cricket side Somerset terminated by mutual consent due to uncertainty over the game’s fate this season.
Philander, 34, was due to join the club on a Kolpak deal in April meaning he would not be deemed an overseas player. The Kolpak deal is ruling allowing citizens of around 100 nations to play cricket in any European Union nation without being considered as an overseas player.
A number of county cricket teams in England have terminated contracts with players for this season due to the similar reasons brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Such decisions were made taking into account that the UK government said that there will be no professional sport in England and Wales until July 1 at the earliest.
Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry said that the contract cancellation was a “prudent and sensible decision” given the vagueness surrounding the fate of this season.
“These are clearly very uncertain and challenging times for all Counties with no cricket until at least the 1st July and the likelihood of a condensed and truncated season,” Hurry said.
“I would like to thank Vernon and his management team for their understanding of the current situation and we hope one day to see Vernon back wearing Somerset colours.”
Philander retired from Test cricket following the Test series against England earlier this year having played 64 Test matches and taken 224 wickets.
He has previously played county cricket for Sussex, Middlesex, Somerset, Kent and Nottinghamshire.
