LONDON: Worcestershire confirmed Friday they have dropped their bid to sign Indian paceman Ashish Nehra for the second half of the season after he demanded more money to move to New Road.

Nehra was lined up as a replacement for West Indian quick Fidel Edwards, who was forced to withdraw through injury, and had agreed terms but now the deal, has been called off.

“The deal had been cleared with the Indian Cricket Board and we were expecting him to come and join us pretty much straight away,” said Worcestershire chief executive Mark Newton.

“But then he came back to us asking for more money and saying the deal started too soon. As a result, I can confirm he will not be joining us,” he said.

Newton believes the huge financial rewards available in the Indian Premier League have made it more difficult for counties to sign overseas players.

“It has been extremely difficult to find a suitable overseas player,” he said.

“The Indian Premier League has changed everything. Prices have gone through the roof,” he added.