A recent crackdown by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has left hundreds of overseas amateur cricketers potentially ineligible to play in crucial matches as the season reaches its peak.
Each summer, clubs in England and Wales recruit players from around the world, often unpaid amateurs visiting on standard visitor or student visas. However, a recent ECB audit uncovered discrepancies with these players’ visas, which violate Home Office regulations.
Approximately 1,700 players were flagged, and many may now be barred from participating in key games that could determine league titles, promotions, or relegations. The ECB is currently reviewing the cases and contacting affected players directly.
The issues largely involve players who entered the UK on visitor or student visas but are classified as 'professional sportspersons' under Home Office rules. This category includes anyone who has represented their national team within the last two years, even in youth groups or Associate nations.
The ECB has forwarded a list of potential breaches to the Home Office and is advising clubs of the situation. In some cases, players have been directly asked to stop participating in league matches.
A Home Office spokesperson emphasised the importance of managing immigration through a fair system and expects sports governing bodies to ensure compliance with visa conditions.