LONDON, March 22: Former Lancashire captain John Crawley was released from his contract Friday after a bitter dispute.

He is to join Hampshire for the forthcoming season, although his new team have had to pay a five figure compensation package for his services.

A statement issued by Lancashire on Friday said: “Lancashire County Cricket Club wish to announce the release of John Crawley from his contract with the club forthwith. He will be joining Hampshire County Cricket Club.

But English cricket’s governing body ruled in favour of the county.

Crawley made his Test debut in 1994 and played the last of his 29 Tests five years later having scored 1,329 runs at a modest 31.64. However, he has been a consistent performer at county level, although 898 first-class runs at 40.81 last season was not up to his usual standard.—Reuters