PCA call for two overseas players per team once Kolpak loophole closes
The Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) have called for the ECB to increase the number of overseas players counties are allowed to field in the County Championship and One-Day Cup to two per team once the Kolpak loophole closes.
Counties are already allowed to field two overseas players in the T20 Blast. The move has come following the ECB’s advice that Brexit will make Kolpak deals void when the transition period following the UK’s exit from the European Union is completed, currently set for December 31, 2020.
PCA chairman Daryl Mitchell has recommended the ECB allow counties to field two overseas players once the Kolpak loophole closes
Previously, counties have been able to field players from EU Association Agreement countries – predominantly South Africa – without them counting as overseas players. Seventeen South African Kolpaks – as well as players from the West Indies and Zimbabwe – hold 2020 contracts, with some having signed deals until 2021.
In consideration of those Kolpak players who will be affected from next year, the PCA have called for the ECB to increase the number of overseas players each county is allowed to field in any particular match from one to two, so that some players currently playing as non-overseas can continue to ply their trade.
“We must acknowledge and consider the human element of those players who have signed contracts beyond 2020 and the effect this outcome will have on those individuals,” said PCA chairman Daryl Mitchell.
“A number of Kolpak registered players have committed to a career in England beyond 2020 and their needs as PCA members are very important to us. Our view is increasing overseas players to two per county in the County Championship and One-Day Cup would be a positive outcome.
“This would allow opportunities for these players to continue their careers in England and help to maintain standards in the county game.”
Mitchell said the PCA recognised the legal position of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and acknowledged the changes would bring England more closely in line with other first-class systems where primarily nationals of a country play as ‘locals’.
He added: “We will continue discussions with the ECB, the counties and importantly the players to ensure their rights are protected and their welfare is supported.”
