Middlesex apologise over Shah exit leak

Middlesex CCC have issued an apology to Owais Shah after he learnt he was being released on the internet.

The news appeared online on Tuesday morning, hours before they were due to meet with the player to say his contract was not being renewed.

A statement from Middlesex says: "Middlesex CCC feels extremely let down by the individuals involved who allowed this to happen and are sorry that Shah's association with the club should end in such a manner.

"As one of Middlesex's leading modern players he deserved a lot better."

They say the leak followed a telephone conversation between a member of staff and a local journalist on Tuesday, who was informed that a statement would be released later that day.

The news then appeared on a number of local newspaper websites, which Shah's agent called "quite disgraceful."

John Barnett said:" Owais was very surprised and hurt that he was not the first one to know the club were going to release him.

"If they don't want to sign him again, that's their entitlement but at least have the decency to speak to the player about it before alerting the media.

Shah has been with Middlesex for 16 years, scoring more than 20,000 runs in that time.

However, the county has begun the process of reshaping the squad following another disappointing season on the field.

Australian batsman Chris Rodgers has already agreed a switch from Derbyshire, with England star Eoin Morgan also agreeing a new two-year deal to stay on at Middlesex.

Morgan said: "I am delighted to continue my career at Middlesex. I started my association with Middlesex County Cricket Club as a sixteen year old, and the Club have played a major role in me getting to where I am now.

"The future of the Club looks very healthy and I am looking forward to playing my part when my England commitments allow."

Source: THE HA1

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