CHELMSFORD (England), May 17: English county Essex have agreed to release South African paceman Andre Nel one match early so that he can take up a deal with the Mumbai Indians in the ongoing IPL.

Nel was due to end his spell after Sunday’s clash against Middlesex. However, the loss against Kent on Friday was now his final game for Essex.

The tall fast bowler is the second overseas player to leave county cricket at a short notice to join the IPL following Brad Hodge’s sudden departure from Lancashire after receiving an offer from the Kolkata Knight Riders.

However, unlike the Hodge shift, which hasn’t gone down well at Old Trafford, Essex are fully behind Nel.

“The club has given its full backing to Andre with his request to leave after the Kent game on Friday,” the chief executive David East said.

“It is an honour for Essex to have players in their ranks who are attracting the attention of those teams competing in the IPL.

“We thank Andre for all his efforts during this latest stint with the county.

“Once again he has proved a very popular member of our dressing room and has played his part in the team’s excellent start to the campaign.”

Nel said: “I would like to thank Essex in granting my request to end my time with them early, in order to take up a contract with the Mumbai Indians.—Agencies