English cricket season impacted due to visa problems at home office

There are rising concerns that the availability of players in the T20 Blast and The Hundred will be impacted as the system struggles to cope with the effects of the Ukraine conflict.

A visa backlog threatens the availability of players in domestic cricket in England and Wales. The issue is currently most visible in the recreational game, as the Hundreds' clubs are still waiting for their overseas professionals for the 2022 season. 

While there has previously been the option to pay extra for a 'fast track' visa, it appears that this option is no longer available (those applying are still encouraged to apply but will be compensated later), effectively implying that professional and recreational players will face similar length delays.

One player from Sri Lanka is still waiting for a visa that was sought for in March. An agent said in an interview that it was 'chaos', and the administration claims the Ukrainian situation is to blame, and it certainly hasn't helped; however, the system was always underfunded.

"The season is well underway now and both clubs and players are missing out. I know of a club who, with accommodation costs taken into account, have probably lost around £3,000 by now. And I have one player who is in danger of losing his home in Sri Lanka as he hasn't been able to earn for several weeks. There are hundreds of players in the same position," the agent added.

Players and their agents are being advised to apply for visas as soon as possible, with the Blast starting in a few days and The Hundred following later in the summer. 

Nathan McAndrew, an Australian seamer, was one of Warwickshire's overseas players who missed the first two rounds of the County Championship.

Moreover, there are also concerns that the scenario would jeopardise the ability of recreational clubs to sponsor programmes like All Stars. 

On several occasions, international experts as part of their contracts with clubs, manage these sessions. Most visa applications require players to obtain an ECB Level 2 coaching accreditation while in the UK, and agents are afraid that this may become difficult to acquire unless the situation is handled quickly.

"We are aware of the challenges that delays in the visa application process are presenting to the recreational game, in particular...we are working with governing bodies from other sports and the Home Office to find an appropriate solution in the circumstances," said an ECB spokesman.