Paul Strang has been released from his professional contract with the Zimbabwe Cricket Union.

The 32-year old requested the release to take up a commentating job during the Zimbabwe tour of India and, thereafter, a club contract in the Liverpool Cricket Premier Division in England.

Although Strang would have left tomorrow with the Zimbabwe Board XI to tour South Africa, the selectors replaced him with Dirk Viljoen, saying that experience should be given to someone who will use it locally.

Strang has therefore been released with immediate effect.

"It's a positive life decision for myself. I have had a couple of chronic injuries over the past two years, making every day a challenge" said Strang.

An all-rounder who will be remembered for his leg-spin bowling, Strang made his Test debut for Zimbabwe in the third match against Sri Lanka, in Harare in 1994.

He lists his personal highlights as scoring a century against Pakistan in a Test match, picking up five wickets in the same innings in Sheikhupura 1996/97 and 8 for 109 in the first Test against New Zealand in Bulawayo two years ago.

He said he also enjoyed the 3–0 whitewash of England in a one-day international series in 1996, and the World Cup in that country in 1999.

Vice-Chairman of the Zimbabwe Professional Cricketers' Association, Strang says he will maintain the office.

Zimbabwe Cricket Union Chairman, Peter Chingoka has thanked Strang for his service to the local game.

"The union is grateful for his eight years to the Zimbabwe Test campaign", said Chingoka.

© ZCU