Andrew McDonald to leave Leicestershire

McDonald was a star performer as Leicestershire won the FLt20 competition

Leicestershire's Australian all-rounder Andrew McDonald is to leave the county because of visa problems.

McDonald, 30, was named FLt20 player of the year after scoring 584 runs and taking 14 wickets and 12 catches as the Foxes became domestic champions.

But chief executive Mike Siddall said: "Visa regulations mean Andrew cannot return and we thank him for the impact he has made over the past two years."

However, all-rounder Abdul Razzaq will return to play Twenty20 next year.

The Pakistan star scored 262 runs and took 18 wickets as Leicestershire won this season's competition and head coach Phil Whitticase was delighted he will be back at grace Road next season.

"It is a major boost for us," Whitticase said.

"There are fewer Twenty20 games next season so it will be important we have a similar type of team. He has shown us all what he can do and we look forward to having him back with us."

McDonald joins the retiring Paul Nixon and Nottinghamshire-bound Harry Gurney in leaving the county.

Siddall added: "It's really sad to have to say goodbye to three guys on the playing staff who have made a fantastic contribution to winning the Twenty20 this year and taking Leicestershire into the Champions League."

The county have already moved to plug the gap by recruiting 37-year-old South African batsman Martin van Jaarsveld on a two-year deal from Kent, with an option for a third year.

Siddall said: "With Andrew unable to return next season it was important the club signed a senior batsman as we are unlikely to have an overseas player in the County Championship in 2012."