Cumbria Cricket League has explained why Cockermouth were prevented from playing the Pakistani all-rounder Asad Afridi as an overseas amateur.
Cockermouth went ahead with bringing Asad over for the season and he actually arrived ahead of last Saturday’s opening game against Carlisle.
The club had paid for his air fare, which they were allowed to do and he had been cleared and registered to play for the season.
However, it was reported to the league that Asad might be in breach of the ECB guidelines regarding ex-professional players playing as an overseas amateur.
League secretary Peter Gardiner said: “We looked into the matter and it shows him playing a first class match in 2019, which we believed does not meet with either the current ECB guidelines, or the home office immigration policy on the visa he used to enter the country.
“The league share Cockermouth’s disappointment in this decision but we have made it, to protect the integrity of both Cockermouth, and the league.”
Cockermouth had to move for an overseas amateur after losing their pro licence through a club oversight.
A club spokesman said: “It’s very disappointing and Asad himself just doesn’t understand why he can’t play.
“We are still trying to find an overseas amateur, especially one that will be able to do some coaching at the club, because that’s going to be a big miss.”
