Derbyshire pull out of signing West Indies star Marlon Samuels

The club appeared to be on the brink of signing the 36-year-old Jamaican, who has played in 71 Tests and 238 one-day internationals for the West Indies, averaging 34 with the bat.

But they abruptly ended their interest and issued this statement, which they would not elaborate on: “We can confirm we have been in contact with Marlon Samuels and his agent regarding opportunities at the club. However, we have a number of routes available and, in view of recent events, the club is no longer pursuing Marlon. The club remains committed to exploring all options to strengthen the side ahead of the 2017 season.”

Samuels helped West Indies win the World Twenty20 Cup in 2012 and last year when he was named man-of-the-match in the final for his knock of 85no against England.