Hampshire’s plans for 2008, already hit by the extended absence of Shane Warne and the probably unavailability of Shane Bond, have been dealt a further blow with news that Nic Pothas has signed for the unofficial Indian Cricket League.

Pothas, who qualifies for England this summer, had been touted as a replacement for Warne as captain, but he has thrown in his lot with the Delhi Giants.

Although the ECB has made clear that players who sign with the ICL will face being barred, Pothas’ status means his case is not straightforward. His qualification for England has not been finalised, and as an EU-qualified player through his Greek passport, he is neither an overseas player nor a Kolpak signing.