Aston Rowant could seek advice from the International Cricket Council after Zimbabwe Test spinner Graeme Cremer withdrew as their overseas player and coach.

Cremer, 20, signed a contract with Rowant and was due to make his debut in their Home Counties Premier League clash with Burnham on Saturday.

But when captain Paul Humphreys contacted him to confirm his flight details from Zimbabwe, Cremer sent him a text message saying he wasn't coming.

"I've been told that there is no point in going to Zimbabwe Cricket because we won't get anything out of them," said Humphreys.

"We could take it up with him because he has already broken his contract.

"Our next committee meeting is in two weeks' time and it is on the agenda for that.

"We are likely to write to the ICC and ask for their recommendation.

"We are out of pocket as a club and it is hugely frustrating for us.

"It has cost the club £500 not to mention the time and effort."

Humphreys added: "It is a bit of a muddle. We've been trying to get to the bottom of it.

"Two weeks ago he was selected to play for Zimbabwe A after being out of favour for a couple of years.

"Because he had already signed for us, he said it would be beneficial for him to play in the UK."

Zimbabwe Cricket are opposed to their players playing overseas and had their World Cup squad sign contracts to that effect.

Sources in Zimbabwe indicate that when cricket officials learned Cremer was heading for Oxfordshire, he was selected for Zimbabwe A and pressurised into not playing in England.

They say Cremer played for Zimbabwe A against a Kenya Select XI from May 16 to 19 on the understanding that he didn't go abroad.

Rowant only learned of Cremer's decision last week.

Humphreys said: "I just checked with him on Wednesday that he was OK. He sent me a text message saying 'no I'm not coming, I thought you had already been told this'."

"But when I contacted his agent, he had no idea about this and thought he was going to honour his contract with Aston Rowant.

"He was just as shocked as us. There were a few messages and emails going back and forth.

"As a club we have now got to decide what action to take."

Cremer was himself Rowant's second choice as overseas player after the late withdrawal of South African Jason Smith.

Rowant are now hoping to replace Cremer, and Humphreys said this would be vital if they are to compete in Division 2 West.

"We are without Andrew Hicks's runs from last year and that leaves a huge gap if we've not got an overseas player," said Humphreys "We are at a disadvantage in a higher league than last year.

"Had we had a talented overseas player on Saturday, I think we would have beaten Burnham."