Under the government's new Points Based Managed Migration system, cricket clubs will now need to obtain a sponsor licence from the UK Border and Immigration Agency in order to bring professional cricketers and coaches from outside the EU into the country.

As part of this process, clubs must obtain a Governing Body Endorsement BOTH for their sponsor licence and for the individual player/coach. Cricket Ireland will shortly be applying for Recognised Governing Body status, and clubs will be notified when they have achieved  this. At that point you will be able to apply to Cricket Ireland firstly to obtain an Endorsement to enable your club to apply online for a Sponsor Licence from UKBIA. Once you have obtained this, you will then have to apply again to Cricket Ireland to obtain another Endorsement for the chosen overseas professional/coach. At that stage you will be able to apply to UKBIA for a Tier 5 Sponsor Licence (formerly Work Permit) for the individual concerned.

The guidance document prepared by the ECB for clubs in England and Wales, together with examples of application forms to be used when applying for these endorsements, are found at

www.ecb.co.uk/managedmigration

The ECB regulations for overseas player/coaches have also changed slightly.All players must now have played a minimum of 5 first class matches in the preceding 24 months (was 18 months), and must hold ECB/UKCC Level 2 Coaching Certificate or equivalent from AUS/NZ/SA or have proof that they have a place confirmed on a Level 2 course when they arrive and fee paid for same.