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Foreign teams bid for Symonds, says manager

SYDNEY - Wayward all-rounder Andrew Symonds has overseas offers to consider as he mulls over whether to continue playing in Australia, his manager said Monday.

The international playing career of Symonds is in doubt after Cricket Australia sent him from the World Twenty20 tournament in England last week after another alcohol-related indiscretion.

His Queensland state wants him to continue playing for them in the domestic competitions, but he has received English and South African offers on top of his lucrative Indian Premier League contract, which has another year to run.

Symonds’ manager, Matt Fearon, confirmed that the unpredictable all-rounder, who turns 34 on Tuesday, was keen to play on despite Cricket Australia indicating it will withdraw his 2009-10 contract.

Fearon said Symonds had “numerous” teams looking to contract him, including English counties and South African provinces.

“It’s fair to say he’s constantly sought after from many regions, both prior to this happening and currently,” Fearon said on Monday.

“They’re areas we haven’t explored before because he’s always been focused on playing international cricket.

“They’re options for him if he chooses to do that.”

Fearon said Symonds, who arrived home from England on Saturday, is seeking advice from family and friends as he weighs up his future.

Fearon said the most important aspect for Symonds was to play in an environment with “like-minded” people after feeling out of place in the current Australian team set-up.

Symonds was a success in the IPL, helping the Deccan Chargers to the Twenty20 title in South Africa last month under the stewardship of former Test teammates Darren Lehmann and Adam Gilchrist.

“At this stage his focus is to surround himself with people he enjoys and support him and have the right influence on him,” Fearon said.

“As far as where the Australian team is headed and the culture within, that’s changed significantly and he’s no longer a good fit there.

“Queensland Cricket have been a big part of his career and are supporting him now and would be an avenue for him as well.”