Shahid Afridi will not play for Hampshire in this season's Friends Life t20 competition.
Afridi has been prevented from travelling to join up with the Royals because of visa problems and, with just three games of the group stage left, Hampshire have decided to call time on efforts to overcome the red tape.
"We are deep into the 2012 competition and the side is settled so we don't feel it is right to change that now," said Hampshire manager Giles White.
Afridi was a big hit for Hampshire last year when the Royals reached finals day, his highlights included taking 5-20 on his home debut and smashing 80 in their semi-final defeat to Somerset.
White added: "The door is still open for him to return to Hampshire in future years should circumstances suit both parties. He obviously had a huge impact for us last year and has been missed."
It is a second blow in the space of 48 hours for Hampshire, following the news that opener Michael Carberry has been ruled out for two months with injury.
