Sean Ervine has pulled out of Zimbabwe's World Cup squad so he can continue to play for Hampshire.

The 28-year-old was set to represent his country at the tournament next month but has changed his mind following Hampshire's success at the Caribbean T20.

Ervine said: “After having had time to reflect on all of the circumstances, I have realised that this is not the right time to leave Hampshire.

“I have a great relationship with this Club and its supporters and I feel like part of a family. I feel Hampshire is my home; so much so that I am planning to get married there next year. I do not, therefore, want to be away for long periods of time."

Hampshire manager, Giles White said; “We are very happy that Sean has come to this conclusion. He is an important and highly-valued cricketer who is popular with everyone associated with The Rose Bowl and central to our plans for the future.”

The Zimbabwe Cricket Union is less happy with Ervine's decision.

Alistair Campbell, the head of Zimbabwe's selection panel, said: "Zimbabwe Cricket was very excited about Sean coming back into the setup. However, he may not have realised that international cricket is a lot harder than he remembers.

"He has lived a very comfortable life in county cricket for the last six years and obviously decided at the last minute he might not be up to the challenges of international cricket after all.

"A lot of people have gone to a lot of effort to make it happen for Sean. Although is very late in the day to change his mind, it is better than realising his mistake during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011."