PAKISTAN off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has been cleared to play a shortened stint with Worcestershire.

The ace is believed to be flying out to England early this week and should be available for the LV= County Championship Division Two home match against Derbyshire that begins at New Road on Sunday.

The 36-year-old’s departure was held up after the announcement of Pakistan’s tour to Sri Lanka in July and August.

Pakistan Cricket Board chief operating officer Subhan Ahmed said: “We have given an NOC (no-objection certificate) to Ajmal but want him to return in mid-July so he can be part of the team’s tour to Sri Lanka.”

Pakistan will play two Test matches and three one-day internationals on the Asian island.

Worcestershire are second in the Division Two table after two games following a fine home win over Kent last week.

Meanwhile, the first Worcestershire County Cricket Cup starts tomorrow with 10 clubs clashing in the first round.

Peopleton, who do not play in a league, are at home to Martley in an all-village tie.

Droitwich host Lye and Rushwick entertain Belbroughton, while Ombersley visit Hagley and Worcester City Police go to Stone.

All the games start at 2pm with a Twenty20 format and the first-round losers will go into a plate competition.

The final of the knockout cup and plate will be at Worcestershire’s New Road ground.