AMJAD Khan is to leave Kent when his current contract ends at the end of the season.

The fast bowler has been with the county since 2002, taking 63 wickets in his first season. In 2009 he won his one and only England Test Cap, against the West Indies, and also represented England at Twenty20 cricket on the same tour.

To date he has taken 248 first class wickets.

Jamie Clifford, Kent's chief executive officer, said: "Amjad has been with the club for nine seasons and we are very sorry to see him leave. These are financially difficult times for the club and sadly we are not currently in a position to make Amjad a meaningful offer.

"This has been a very hard decision; however we believe that it is the right one given the financial context. I am sure the club's members and supporters will join me in thanking Amjad for all his efforts and wish him the very best as he moves on."

Kent captain Rob Key said: "It is disappointing that the club couldn't offer Amjad a contract that would have seen him stay.

"He has been a pleasure to play cricket with over the last nine seasons and I have no doubt that our loss will be another county's gain. I wish him the very best."

Khan himself said: "I am sorry to be leaving having been with the club since 2002. Ideally I would have liked to have continued my career with Kent but it is not to be.

"I sympathise with Kent's off-field financial pressures and know that the key people wanted me to stay. I look forward to new challenges with renewed vigour and believe I have what it takes to put myself back in the England frame."

Kent have also released Phil Edwards (left). The 26-year-old bowler made his List A debut for the county last season and was a second team regular during his time with Kent.

Commenting on his departure, team director, Paul Farbrace, said: "I would like to thank Phil for the contribution that he has made. He wants to stay in the game so we wish him well and hope that he is successful in his future career."