Fast bowler Andre Nel is to cut short his stint as an overseas player with Essex to play for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League.

The South African was scheduled to make his last appearance in Sunday’s Friends Provident Trophy (FPT) game against Middlesex Crusaders but will now bow out after Friday’s day/night FPT fixture with Kent Spitfires at The Ford County Ground.

Essex Chief Executive David East told the Essex CCC website:

“The Club has given its full backing to Andre with his request to leave after the Kent game on Friday. It is an honour for Essex to have players in their ranks who are attracting the attention of those teams competing in the Indian Premier League. We thank Andre for all his efforts during this latest stint with the County. Once again he has proved a very popular member of our dressing room and has played his part in the team’s excellent start to the campaign.”

Andre Nel told the Essex CCC website:

“I would like to thank Essex County Cricket Club in granting my request to end my time with them early, in order to take up a contract with the Mumbai Indians. As always, I have enjoyed my stay with Essex enormously and the excellent way I continue to be treated by the Club bodes well for our future relationship should I get another chance to return.”    
(A full interview with Andre Nel is now available on the Essex CCC website)

The 30-year-old is currently in his third spell with Essex, having also featured for the County in 2005 and 2007.

Nel has appeared in three LV County Championship and three Friends Provident Trophy matches thus far in 2008, picking up 10 wickets @ 34.10 in four-day cricket and three wickets @ 37.33 in the FPT to help Essex to second and top spot in the respective tables.   

The paceman is set to make his debut for the Mumbai Indians, under the captaincy of Sachin Tendulkar, in Sunday’s game against Deccan Chargers.  

Meanwhile, Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria will take up his duties as overseas player from next Wednesday when Essex begin their LV County Championship match against Leicestershire at The Ford County Ground (May 21-24).