KENT'S administrators have received a demand from the United Cricket Board of South African to release overseas stars Andrew Hall and Justin Kemp by Wednesday.

The Proteas’ newly appointed coach Mickey Arthur has issued a three-line whip for his players to return home for two Jacques Kallis benefit games, a team camp and a book signing session.

Understandably Kent, who have had their players signed up since April, and Warwickshire, who recently took on Makhaya Ntini, have dug their heels in to remind the UCBSA that their players have signed legally binding contracts for the remainder of the campaign.

Should Arthur have his way both Hall and Kemp will miss Kent’s last two four-day matches against Nottinghamshire and Sussex, severely effecting their chances of edging out leaders Nottinghamshire.

Kent chief executive Paul Millman said: "We are working in tandem with the ECB and with Warwickshire’s Dennis Amiss in an effort to reconcile this and reach some form of mediation with the UCBSA.

"Kent are disappointed to have received this request and we are seeking clarification from the UCBSA as to the international status of these events."

It is understood that Hall, who is centrally contracted to the South African board, and Kemp, who only last month returned home to play in the Afro-Asia cup games, have been personally contacted by their board with pleas to return home.

Should they do so Kent’s title chase will be thrown into disarray and the future for both players at St Lawrence dogged by confusion.