Australian Test batsman Justin Langer has turned down the chance to become Derbyshire's new captain for 2006.
Langer is one of the top opening batsmen in world cricket
The 34-year-old has decided not to play a full English season next summer in order to prolong his Test career.
"Throughout our negotiations Justin has been very honest and obviously found this a very difficult decision to make," said chief executive Tom Sears.
"We'll keep in touch and there is every possibility we may talk again about him coming to Derbyshire in the future."
Langer, who had a spell in county cricket with Middlesex in 1998, has scored more than 7,000 runs in 94 Tests, including 22 centuries.
After beginning his international career in 1993, he reinvented himself as an opener during the 2001 Ashes tour to England and his partnership with Matthew Hayden is one of the most successful in history.
"I can fully understand his positon and the reasns why he declined our offer at this stage.
"Every player wants to play at the highest level possible and you have to admire Justin's ambition and drive, exactly the qualities we wanted him to brin to our club," Sears told the Derbyshire website.
The club remains committed to recruiting a world-class player to lead the team next season.
"We have the finance in place but we will not be rushed into any decisions and we will make sure we get the right player and the right person. who is going to be worth the investment," Sears added.
Derbyshire need a new captain following Luke Sutton's departure to join Lancashire.