How Brexit Affects England's “Kolpak” Cricketers – And What Happens Next?

It has finally happened. The issue that has dominated the front pages of our national newspapers for what seems an eternity. Brexit. As various sectors of the economy brace themselves for severe disruption, the further permutations of Brexit are starting to affect the sporting world, if they haven’t already.

This article explains the “Kolpak” rule and how it relates to permitted quotas for overseas cricketers playing in England and Wales.  It then examines what effect Brexit will have on the status of Kolpak players in the county game, and what the future holds for professional cricket in the UK.  

It also looks at rugby union and the effects of Kolpak upon another premier sport that has been so reliant upon Kolpak players over the last decade.  It is an area of law that has been so central to sports and clubs in terms of player recruitment, retention, forward planning and club development.