New Delhi: According to the club, veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane will not play for English county team Leicestershire as originally intended because he needs a break from cricket following his busy international schedule.

Due to increased international commitments, the 35-year-old Rahane's arrival at the county club was postponed from June. Before departing on India's Test tour of the West Indies this month, he immediately took a flight to England for the World Test Championship final.

Rahane has now expressed a desire to take a break from cricket during August and September, so he will not play for Leicestershire as scheduled, the club said, adding that those involvements were previously not taken into account in his schedule.

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"Firstly, we are fully understanding of Ajinkya's situation. He has experienced a hectic schedule in recent months, both in India and travelling with the national team, and we accept his wishes to recover and spend some time with his family," Director of Cricket Claude Henderson said in a statement issued by the club.

"We have been in constant communication with Ajinkya and accept how situations can change quickly in cricket. He is extremely grateful for our understanding and still hopes to play for Leicestershire one day."

Rahane will be replaced by Peter Handscomb, an Australian. To participate in the Metro Bank One Day Cup next month, Handscomb has extended his stay with the Foxes.

"Thankfully, we had planned for a situation like this, and we are delighted Peter is staying on with the team. He brings many qualities alongside his batting and wicketkeeping, including strong leadership, which is a massive help to Lewis (Hill) and the rest of the guys in our changing room," Henderson said.

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