posted May 13, 2008

Mr Brett's article seems to suggest that the Kolpak ruling allows players to play without a work permit ("As a result, many South Africans, Zimbabweans and West Indians have been able to play county cricket in England without a work permit - and not be classed as overseas players"). Is that true?

The text of the judgemnt seems to suggest that it only applies to lawfully employed persons (ie those with a work permit where one is required) and the ECB's explanation also suggests that the ruling applies only to those with work permits ("a cricketer from such a country who is in possession of a valid UK work permit is treated as if he were a British or other European citizen and can therefore qualify as a domestic player for Competitive County Cricket").

Does anyone know what the situation is?

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posted May 13, 2008

It's not easy to get a work permit for employment in the UK, the employer has to make a case to the Home Office that the individual is better qualified than any British or EU applicants. Individuals cannot apply for work permits. The idea of a work permit is to allow a foreign national to be employed in the UK, so in the case of a cricketer yes he/she would be eligible to play in county cricket.

Foreign nationals who can claim family ties to the UK or who have lived in the UK for sufficient time don't need a work permit. I'm not sure if this answers your questions?

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posted May 13, 2008

Interesting topic,

Can you tell me if Ambrose took out British citizonship to make him eligable to play for England????

Or was it soley based upon his grandparents on his mothers side was enough to qualify.

As for the numbers of foriegners in the county cricket, that is only going to hinder the national side surely.

But on saying that everyone deserves a chance in life to roll the arm over, or be involved in any form of sport.

It gets the kids off the street at least

Cheers

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posted May 13, 2008

It is very difficult to see what any solution could be. Even an increase in the ECB incentives offered to counties for fielding England qualified players may be tested in the courts and found to be discriminatory.

Soon, it seems, players from Australia and New Zealand will also have Kolpak status.

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