Hall, 32, has told Cricket South Africa (CSA) in writing that he is no longer interested in playing for the country. Hall's abrupt move was probably prompted by his omission from South Africa's squad for the Twenty20 Championship later this month.

"He has handed in his resignation, as he calls it, to CSA," said Tony Irish, the South African Cricketers' Association chief executive. "This has taken everybody by complete surprise, including me."

Irish felt Hall had not made his decision wisely. "The way he has gone about this is wrong. We expect administrators to honour the terms of players' contracts, and the same goes for players. He might be disappointed at not making the squad, but what's the point of being contracted to CSA if you are going to pull-out halfway through?"

Like the rest of South Africa's centrally contracted players, Hall is signed up until the end of April. There can be little doubt that Hall is lining up the ICL as his next employer.

Hall was attached to the KZNCU's Dolphins franchise, but he only played one match for them last season because of international commitments. He also represented Kent in the county season and recently toured Zimbabwe with the South Africa A squad.

Meanwhile Damien Martyn, the former Australian batsman, has also been linked to the ICL and an official announcement is expected soon. Martyn retired from international cricket midway through the Ashes last year.