India's opening batsman Virender Sehwag's contract with Leicestershire has been terminated by mutual agreement. According to a statement on the county's web site, the right-hand batsman is returning home to rest and treat a back injury.
It is learnt that a scan revealed a disc problem, for which Sehwag has been advised six weeks' rest.
Leicestershire head coach Phil Whitticase said: "Virender's injury flared up in the recent National League game against Worcestershire at Oakham, and we rested him from the Championship fixture against Sussex as a precaution ahead of the Twenty20 Cup finals day.
"A scan has shown a disc injury and the prognosis is that he needs complete rest from cricket for at least six weeks. Even then there is a possibility that the injury might flare up again. In these circumstances we have both agreed that it is in his and the club's best interests that he returns home to link up with the Indian team's medical staff. His long-term health and fitness are of paramount importance.
"We have mutually agreed that his contract is terminated and this will enable us to seek a substitute overseas player for the remainder of the season."
Sehwag expressed disappointment at having to cut short his stay in England.
"I am disappointed that I will not be able to see out my contract with Leicestershire. I would like to express my thanks to my team mates, supporters and club officials for making my short stay at Leicestershire a memorable and enjoyable one.
"I will take back fond memories of my time here and I wish the team the best of luck. I hope Leicestershire will give me the opportunity to play for them at some stage in the future," he said.
Sehwag played in six Championship games, scoring two centuries and totalling 478 runs at an average of 47.8.
In the one-day game, he scored 326 runs in 11 matches, averaging just below 30 with a top score of 76.
The injury will be cause for concern for the Indian team management ahead of the series against New Zealand in September-end.
Speaking to rediff.com, Sehwag's lawyer, Nyaynesh Desai, said the contract was terminated by mutual consent.
"Leicester understands that with the back injury sustained, it is impossible for Viru [Virender] to continue. Viru will need time to recover for the forthcoming Test series against New Zealand," Desai said.
"Viru is very disappointed not to see the season out since he was in a rich vein of form. And for Leicester he was a crowd puller.
"He will get the contract amount for the number of days that he has played for the county. It has been very amicable. Viru is due to return to India next week."
