MOHAMMAD Hafeez will be replaced by Sajith Fernando as Settle's professional next season.

Fernando captained Sri Lanka A until last year and has made the test squad on several occasions without getting a cap.

A top order left-hand batsman and right-arm off-spin bowler, he has been pro at Werneth and Middleton in the Central Lancashire League for the last five years.

Hafeez - who has played three tests for Pakistan - made a phenomenal impact when he replaced the injured Robin Morris in June and has been a major factor behind Settle's success.

He has scored over 1,000 runs in all competitions, hitting 914 runs in the league at an average of 70.30, and taken 55 league wickets at a miserly average of 11.12.

Andy Davidson said the club could not afford to keep him for another season and also wanted to take on a professional who would spend time coaching the club's juniors. Fernando is an ECB level two coach.

Barnoldswick and Earby are retaining their professionals, Jeevantha Kulatunga and Mohammad Ayub respectively.