Pakistan all-rounder cricketer Azhar Mahmood has declined to accept a lucrative offer to play for Northamptonshire county.

A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) press release issued on Saturday stated that the board contacted Azhar Mahmood in South Africa to ask whether he would accept the offer. But Azhar Mahmood replied `` It is my country that has given me the status and the honour I am enjoying today. At no cost I will prefer county cricket over my national commitments and obligation''.

After Mahmood's refusal Northamptonshire has hired the services of Franklyn Rose of the West Indies.