UK Sports Visas for Cricket
UK Sports Visas for Cricket Clubs, Players & Coaches
The applicable Tiers of the Points Based System (PBS) for cricket clubs are Tier 2 and Tier 5. Tier 2 applies to the First Class Game and Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and Tier 5 applies to the First Class Game, MCC and for the Recreational Game.
A licence is issued by the Home Office for a period of four years and will allows clubs to sponsor players/coaches under Tier 2 or Tier 5 of the Points Based System. Licences can be renewed every four years subject to the individual club continuing to meet the criteria for issue.
Following consultation with the Counties, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) took the decision in 2012 to issue Tier 2 visas in respect of coaches only.
Such posts must be advertised for a period of four weeks prior to an application for a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) for a coaching role being received. ECB Approved advertising mediums are available on request. Prospective coaches under Tier 2 must also satisfy ECB criteria.
The ECB will issue GBE's under Tier 5 in respect of players and full time coaches to one of the 18 First-Class Counties as-well as the MCC and the England & Wales Cricket Board. It may also be possible, subject to ECB guidelines, for County Cricket Boards to employ full time coaches under Tier 5.
First Class Cricket
Given the way the cricket season is structured and with the Indian Premier League (IPL) proving a worldwide draw, the ECB will endorse player applications under Tier 5, which allows a stay of up to 12 months.
The issue of a GBE is subject to the cricketer meeting ECB criteria which we can advise upon on request.
Sponsorship of a Coach under Tier 5
The criteria are broadly the same as for Tier 2 applicants. Please contact us for further information.
Non First Class Cricket
The ECB decided to issue Governing Body Endorsement's under Tier 5 to applicants seeking employment at non-first class cricket clubs as a Player-Coach only for the 2014 season. This is subject to change at the end of the current season. Please contact us for further information.
We are also on hand to discuss those clubs who wish to make extension applications for existing employees and in respect of out of season coaching positions.
Appealing Sports Visa Decisions
The scope of appeal available in Cricket is far more restrictive than in other sports. A club must lodge a written appeal with the ECB's Ethics & Compliance Manager together with a non-refundable appeal fee.
The sole ground of appeal is that the ECB has failed to correctly apply the relevant criteria in making a decision as to whether or not to issue a GBE. There are no further appeal grounds available.
