Francois du Plessis says he still hopes to be able to play for Lancashire at some point in the future after having his three-year contract torn up due to changes in immigration criteria.

The 25-year-old South African had spent two seasons with the Red Rose county under the guise of a Kolpak player, and was only a year into a three-year deal with the club.

There are a number of other players across the county circuit who are in the same boat, with the likes of Northants pair Johan van der Wath and Rikki Wessels also having their deals terminated.

“I just don’t feel that my time is done with Lancashire,” said Faf. “I still feel there is more to do, and it’s not nice to be leaving on terms that are out of your control.

“I would have liked to have been part of winning a trophy because I know how much it means to the club.

“But it’s not like I’m 35 years old and getting to the end of my career. There is still time.”

Du Plessis believes the new criteria for Kolpak players is designed to suit cricketers who are coming to the end of their international careers, not players starting out in the game with a point to prove.

“I would have been very happy to have played for Lancashire for the next ten years, but now it’s quite sad,” he continued.

“I was with the team and the people around the team so much that you grow some very strong bonds.”