How England’s T20-Centric Visa Policy is Hurting County Cricket
A growing number of English counties are urging the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to overhaul visa eligibility rules that currently prevent talented overseas red-ball specialists from playing full County Championship seasons. The controversy stems from the Home Office’s requirement that non-international players must have played 20+ domestic T20s in Full Member nations to qualify for work visas—a rule that disproportionately impacts first-class cricketers.
Key Issues with Current System
✔ 30-Day Limit: Players without T20 experience can only stay under Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) visas
✔ Format Mismatch: Red-ball stars forced to leave despite Championship demand
✔ Competitive Impact: Deprives counties of season-long overseas talent
Notable Cases Highlighting the Problem
1. Fergus O’Neill (Australia)
- Took 21 wickets @ 17.9 for Nottinghamshire in Division One
- Forced to exit after 30 days despite being a red-ball recruit
- *”It’s crazy to judge him on T20s when we wanted him for four-day cricket,”* said Notts director Mick Newell
2. Brendan Doggett (Australia)
- Pace bowler for Durham
- Limited to 30-day stint despite Championship role
3. Harry Conway & Jordan Buckingham (Australia)
- Both restricted to short-term deals with Northants/Yorkshire
Why Counties Are Pushing for Change
Proposed Reforms
Format-Specific Criteria: Red-ball qualifications for Championship signings
First-Class/A-Team Recognition: Include 15+ FC matches or ‘A’ tours as alternatives
Longer Planning: Enable season-long contracts for non-T20 specialists
*”Why use T20 as the sole benchmark when we need players for first-class cricket?”*
— Tim Bostock, Durham Chairman
ECB’s Next Steps
- County proposals expected by end-May
- ECB committee review in June
- Potential Home Office negotiations if approved
Broader Context: Football vs Cricket Disparity
Football Comparison: Premier League clubs freely sign non-internationals
Cricket’s Restriction: 18 first-class teams face tighter rules