Irani spurns Essex deal

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The 35-year-old, who played for Lancashire earlier in his career, is struggling with a knee injury and says he does not see himself playing beyond the end of the current campaign.

A statement from Irani read: "Essex have recently offered me a new two-year contract that would take me through to the end of the 2009 season. However, due to my injury situation and based on the advice of those close to me, I have had to inform the committee that I am unable to accept it."

He added: "The offer was wonderful but my right knee condition is so acute that I would be kidding everyone if I accepted it. Since I gave up bowling in 2003 my batting has really come on but my deteriorating health means that there is no realistic chance of me playing a meaningful role in the 2008 or 2009 seasons."

Irani helped Essex to win the 50-over-a-side knockout competition, then known as the Benson and Hedges Cup, in 1998 and steered them to back-to-back successes in the domestic 40-overs league in 2005 and 2006.

"I've had a great time with Essex and loved every minute. While I'm immensely disappointed, I want to make sure that every one of the club's supporters will say that Ronnie Irani gave everything and that he never took a penny without performing. By the end of 2007 I'll have given it my all and I hope people will realise that I couldn't give any more.

"I'd like to thank all the Essex members, supporters and the committee who have been wholly behind me and given me everything I've ever dreamed of.

"As a young man you want to make your way in the game as a professional cricketer and although I was fortunate enough to play for England my heart and soul lies with Essex County Cricket Club for what they have done for me.

"I'd like to finish this season as captain in the games that I can. Although I'm not going to be able to fulfil all the matches because of my knee condition I want to be able to play as many one-day games and maybe a few Championship matches too.

"I have a duty to make sure that we are playing to the maximum and trying to win games in all circumstances."