There are changes imposed by the ECB/Home Office in respect of visa type and Player Category

The visa changes tend to be rewording of visa type or changes as a result of the UK leaving the EU…… The following visa changes however are significant:

  1. The Tier 5 Creative and Sporting (Player Coach) which is the normal route used in the Championship for Player/Coaches is now renamed the International Sportsperson Visa (Player/Coach). We understand that the conditions/requirements are exactly the same as they were last year so it will not affect Player/Coaches returning for a second or subsequent season.
  2. Tier 2 IT/MOR is replaced by a Skilled Worker visa.
  3. There is a new Health & Social Care Visa.

All visa types could be subject to restrictions imposed by the Home Office and the Championship which can be found in the document TwoCountiesOverseasRegulation2021_5 under the More tab on the website.

With regard to the ECB classification of Category type, the Category 3 (Exempt) is removed and all players are now either Category 1 (defined as Ordinarily Resident or Home Players) – or Category 3.  The implications of this change for the Championship can be found in the document Player Registration Category 2022-5 under the More tab on the website.

In brief though all clubs can apply to register one Category 3 player per team each year and all other Category 3 players seeking registration to enable them to play in the Championship will need dispensation from the MSC. This dispensation will be given readily if the conditions outlined in Player Registration Category 2022-5 document are met.

A new 2 part Amateur Declaration form (AmateurDeclaration_2022) for completion where appropriate can also be found under the More tab on the website.

Clubs intending to register any Overseas Player under the Category 3 type or even if they are not sure should contact Rick Jones (Secretary) at:

secretary@twocountiescricket.co.uk

This posting will also be sent to Championship Reps.