WORCESTERSHIRE are hoping to hold onto in-demand seam bowler Richard Jones despite Derbyshire making a 28-day approach for the player’s services.

That notice period expired on Wednesday, but it is believed the County Ground outfit have not yet approached the highly-rated New Road paceman.

The Stourbridge-born 25-year-old has come through the ranks at Worcester and has emerged as an important component in director of cricket Steve Rhodes’ four-day side.

New Road chief executive David Leatherdale said: “There has been a 28-day approach from Derbyshire for Richard and last Wednesday was the official day that they could talk to him, but I believe no contact has been made.

“Richard has progressed well over the last couple of years and he is someone we are keen to keep involved at the club going forward.

“Discussions are under way with Richard and his agent and he has made it clear he is keen to stay at Worcestershire. We hope we are able to agree new terms with Richard in the near future.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan international Sohail Tanvir’s arrival for Worcestershire’s Friends Life t20 campaign has been further delayed.

Following Tanvir’s recent selection for the Pakistan Twenty20 squad to tour Sri Lanka and his subsequent call-up to the one-day international squad, it was initially anticipated that he would arrive in England early next week.

However, Leatherdale has revealed that visa complications will now rob Worcestershire of their overseas star for the first five games of the competition.

He explained: “Changes to the visa licensing regulations for overseas players meant that Sohail was unable to complete the visa process before leaving for Sri Lanka some three weeks ago.

“After an unexpected extended stay with the Pakistan national team for the one-day international matches, it was hoped that the final part of Sohail’s visa application to visit the UK could be completed while in Sri Lanka.

“Unfortunately, this has not been the case. Sohail will now be travelling back to Pakistan on conclusion of the one-day series on Tuesday to complete the process. It is expected that Sohail will then be able to join us early in the week commencing June 25 for our last five important group matches.

“We hope that he will make the same impact as he did for Pakistan in their two-match series against Sri Lanka, which saw him win the man-of-the-series.”