WORCESTERSHIRE are not to offer a new contract to left-arm spinner Shaaiq Choudhry, whose current deal expired at the end of the 2015 season.

Choudhry, initially, joined Worcestershire on an eight-week trial at the start of the 2010 season.

Rotherham-born Choudhry has been unable to command a regular first team spot during his five seasons at New Road, a period when Saeed Ajmal and Moeen Ali have been the county's front-line spinners for lengthy periods.

Choudhry has taken 33 wickets at an average of 36.03 and scored 629 runs at 22.46 in 22 first class matches during his career in addition to playing in 29 List 'A' and 24 T20 matches.

His best performance for Worcestershire with the ball was 5-78 against New Zealand in a non-first class match in May 2015, which was the last game he played at senior level.

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes said: " We really do wish Shaaiq all the best because he's put a lot of time in and we've put a lot of time in and sadly it hasn't worked out.

"He is a very good cricketer and I hope he finds somewhere to go and play his cricket because he will be a useful acquisition for somebody.

"Saeed Ajmal's signing meant that Shaaiq didn't play as much of the various formats as he would have liked to have done.

"But I really do think he is the type of cricketer someone might be interested in. He can bat, he can bowl and is a genuine all-rounder."

Choudhry said: "I've really enjoyed my time at Worcester and learnt a lot from people like Saeed Ajmal and Norman Gifford (spin bowling coach).

"Unfortunately opportunities have been limited, as during my six seasons there have been six spells with overseas spinners, which has made it tough for me to get game time.

"I would have loved to have played more and been given a run in all formats but unfortunately that hasn’t been the case.

"Moving forward I’d like to thank the club, the supporters and all the players for making my time at the club an enjoyable one and I’d like to wish them all the very best in the future.”