BIRMINGHAM, May 22: English county Warwickshire’s hopes of winning Twenty20 Cup for the first time received a major blow when Sri Lanka batsman Sanath Jayasuriya withdrew from his short-term contract with the county.

Jayasuriya, 38, retired from international cricket early this year but now re-considered his decision after impressing in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).

Jayasuriya was named in Sri Lanka’s squad for Asia Cup to be held in Pakistan next month, which clashes with Twenty20 Cup, and pulled out of his contract with Warwickshire.

“This has come out of blue and it is a big disappointment for us,” said Ashley Giles, Warwickshire’s director of cricket.

The county might also have to find a replacement for South African fast bowler Monde Zondeki who limped out of the attack against Middlesex with a groin strain.—Agencies