London, June 13: In an abrupt decision, English county side Lancashire today terminated its contract with Harbhajan Singh after the off- spinner failed a fitness test yesterday. Harbhajan Singh had sustained a finger injury during the World Cup in South Africa which prevented him from joining Lancashire at the start of the season.

"It's disappointing that Harbhajan won't be joining us, but at least a firm decision has been taken. We wish him well for the future and trust that he will soon be fully recovered," Lancashire cricket manager Mike Watkinson said.

Former West Indies captain Carl Hooper, who was taken in as a replacement for Harbhajan, is likely to continue till the end of the season.

Bureau Report