WORCESTER Wolves have been rocked by the sudden departure of captain Ashton Khan — just days after reaching the BBL Cup final.

The in-form British Basketball League outfit have expressed their disappointment at the point guard’s decision to leave with “immediate effect”.

And his shock exit has left head coach Paul James searching for a replacement ahead of next Thursday’s BBL trip to Plymouth Raiders (7.30pm).

A club spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that Ashton has announced he wishes to leave the club with immediate effect.

“While the club is disappointed, it acknowledges his contribution and will now be looking for a replacement.”

Khan was the longest-serving player in James’ squad this season having first joined the club in 2015.

During that time, the 26-year-old racked up 87 appearances while studying for a masters degree in sports coaching at the University of Worcester.

His commitment to the cause led him to be named skipper ahead of this season and Khan went on to guide Wolves to their first final since 2014 after defeating Sheffield Sharks over two legs in the BBL Cup.

But the win at Sharks on Wednesday was the British-Canadian’s last game for Worcester as he looks to move on to pastures new.

Khan, who has ambitions to secure a place in England’s squad for next year’s Commonwealth Games in Australia, refused to say where his future lied.

But he said he was grateful for the opportunities the club gave him and urged his former team-mates to kick on and beat Cheshire Phoenix in the BBL Cup final at the Arena Birmingham on Sunday, January 28.

Khan said: “With regards to leaving the club, that’s something I expressed to the management about and coach over a period of time.

“I believe in respect to the club it’s best to keep that between management and myself.

“There’s a lot of love from myself towards the people in Worcester and vice versa.

“I’m very thankful for everything Worcester has done for me and I hope that my time there has left a positive imprint.

“The most important thing right now is for the team and club to focus on winning the cup.

“We worked hard to get there. The players and fans deserve silverware.”

The Worcester News also contacted boss James but he refused to comment.