PCA PRESS RELEASE
How the departure from the EU will affect players.
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The Professional Cricketers’ Association has provided an update to members who are to be impacted by the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union.
Further to communication from the ECB to the first-class counties regarding players who qualify to play in England and Wales through the Kolpak ruling, the PCA has provided an update on their position.
- Players with British passports or have settled or pre-settled status have rights to play as a local cricketer protected past 2020
- Players who are identified as Kolpak can play in 2020 until their registration will be cancelled on 31 December 2020 due to the deal the United Kingdom secured with the European Union
- The PCA would support two overseas players per county for all three county competitions from 2021 to allow opportunities for Kolpak Cricketers to continue to play county cricket.
PCA Chairman, Daryl Mitchell, said:
“We are very aware of the sensitive issues that Brexit has been causing a number of PCA members for over three years.
“It has been a frustrating process for many but fortunately we are now able to offer some clarity to the contractual rights of players who will be affected through the departure from the European Union.
“The PCA recognises the legal position of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. These developments will bring England more closely in line with other first-class systems regarding primarily having nationals of that Country playing as Locals.
“However, we must acknowledge and consider the human element of those players who have made commitments and signed contracts beyond 2020 and the effect this outcome will have on those individuals.
“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.
“We will continue discussions with the ECB, the counties and importantly the players to ensure their rights are protected and their welfare is supported.”
