KEY POINTS:
Hamish Marshall has turned his back on a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) contract, in favour of playing county cricket in England as a local player.
His decision made him ineligible to play for New Zealand, Black Caps general manager Lindsay Crocker said this afternoon.
"NZC will now offer the contract to another player to be announced next week," Crocker said.
"I spoke to Hamish about the decision earlier today. I believe he likely had a future with the Black Caps.
"However, I accept his reasons for pursing the certainty of a career in county cricket and wish him all the best."
Marshall is currently playing for Gloucestershire as an overseas player but is eligible to play in the English county competition as a local as he holds an Irish passport.
Two weeks ago he was named among 20 players to be offered NZC contracts for the next year.
New Zealand Cricket Players Association (NZCPA) executive manager Heath Mills said Marshall made the decision as a means to securing his financial future.
"Whilst this is disappointing from a Black Caps perspective the NZCPA is supportive of Hamish and recognises the courage it has taken for him to reach this decision."
- NZPA
