OVERSEAS PLAYERS 2026

Date: 2nd March 2026

Request for early information.

OVERSEAS PLAYERS - REGISTRATIONS

We publish extracts from a recent ECB Notification to ECB Premier Leagues:

We recognise that both leagues and RCBs frequently receive queries about overseas players - particularly regarding whether an individual can play and under which visa route. We understand how challenging this can be, and this communication is intended to provide clarity and consistency on the support the ECB is able to offer.

We urge clubs to carefully consider the benefits and potential risks associated with failing to comply with immigration rules, including significant civil fines, loss of sponsor licence, possible criminal penalties as well as reputational damage while the player may face visa cancellation, removal and re-entry bans, criminal penalties, loss of employment, and long-term damage to their immigration status and future applications.

As you will know the Overseas Player Regulations seem to become more complex each year and particularly with the 210 day rule, require even greater due diligence than ever before. In order to ensure that applications are dealt with prior to the season start, now just seven weeks away, we ask that clubs forward Completed Registration Forms (or if not possible, details of their intentions ) to the Registration Secretary rob.durand@btinternet.com as soon as possible.

As previously, in order to ensure that the appropriate team playing level is approved for proposed 2^nd and 3^rd XI overseas players, clubs should notify the League of their intentions prior to any contractual or other commitments being made.

In addition we set out below the current restrictions applicable to all 2^nd and 3^rd XI Overseas Players

In season 2025 the monitoring process adopted in 2023 in relation to Overseas Players in 2^nd and 3^rd XIs, was adapted and formalised and was applied to all such players.

1. A check on performance will be made following the last game played in May, June, July, and August.

2. If the player averages 25% or more of the team’s runs scored or wickets taken, then a restriction will be applied.

3.This will be reviewed at the end of each month

3. The player will not be allowed to bat until 4 wickets have been taken (No 6) and/or the player will be limited to 8 overs in a match.

4. There is no appeal.

We confirm that this process will continue in the 2026 season.

Liverpool and District Cricket Competition Management Committee

1 March 2026