England County Club Somerset cancels Vernon Philander’s contract

London,12 May(HS): England County Cricket Club Somerset has cancelled the contract of former South African fast bowler Vernon Philander by mutual consent due to the coronavirus epidemic.

Philander played his last Test match for South Africa against England in January this year after announcing his retirement from international cricket.

He had signed a two-year agreement with Somerset, however, his contract has been cancelled with immediate effect. Philander was originally scheduled to join the club in April.

“The current time is very challenging for all. There is no cricket activity in the country till 01 July, due to which the session may be cancelled,” Cricket Andy Hare, Cricket Director of the club said in an official statement.

He said watching Philander play at the Cooper Associates County Ground was going to be an exciting experience, but given the current uncertainty, cancelling his contract was a prudent and sensible decision.

He continued, “I want to thank Vernon and his management team for their understanding of the current situation and we hope to see Vernon in Somerset’s jersey next season.”

All professional cricket in England and Wales has already been suspended until July 1 due to the influence of Coronavirus.