Worcestershire Rapids could lose the services of Colin Munro for their opening NatWest T20 Blast fixture if Mumbai Indians reach the Indian Premier League final.
The New Zealander has signed a deal to represent Mumbai, who have won only one of their five matches to date, for the rest of the tournament as a replacement for injured Australian batsman Aaron Finch.
If Mumbai’s form improves and they reach the May 24 showpiece, Munro - if selected - will miss the derby clash with Blast holders Birmingham Bears at Edgbaston on May 22.
The 28-year-old, who struck a world-record 23 sixes in a first-class match for Auckland en route to a career-best 281 last month, was Worcestershire’s second highest run-scorer in last season’s Blast.
Worcestershire chief executive David Leatherdale told the club’s official website: "Colin has signed for Mumbai Indians and, should they get to the final and he is selected, we would lose him for the first game of the season only in the T20 Blast.
"He has had a fantastic winter with Auckland which has put him in the shop window and, although we might miss him for the first game, we've got him for the other 13 other group games and any possible quarter-final or finals day."