England’s Brexit will boost feeble South Africa as they reorganize, Proteas captain Faf du Plessis said on Tuesday after his side’s series drubbing by India.
Any harder movement controls after the British withdrawal from the European Union will mean less South African players in the County Championship, as per du Plessis.
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In excess of 60 players from nations around the globe have since 2003 exploited EU residency rules so they could join country teams without being considered “abroad players”.
However, the guidelines of the supposed Kolpak accord implied they couldn’t play for their nations of origin. Under current plans, if Britain hauls out of the EU, the Kolpak framework for cricketers would end by 2021.
Du Plessis, who has himself played in England under the framework, featured the instance of off-spinner Simon Harmer who has featured for Essex in the course of recent years yet has not showed up for South Africa since 2015.
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“It’s sad for South African cricket not to have the option of their best players,” du Plessis told newsmen after his side’s innings and 202 runs defeat by India in the third Test.
“Simon Harmer has had an unbelievable season. And it would be great for South Africa to be in a position where they could go (for tours).
“He’s done well overseas. Let’s bring him on tour with us. So maybe, post-Brexit, guys will still go and play there (in England), but you can still pick them for your country.”
The nonappearance of country players and retirement of top stars, for example, Hashim Amla and quick bowler Dale Steyn have left du Plessis with an unpracticed side, featured by the thrashings in India.
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The captain said that South Africa’s household cricket additionally misses any semblance of Hamla when they play in England.
“You lose all of that experience, which would have helped the young guys so much,” he said. “Playing with Hashim Amla, Dale Steyn, AB de Villiers is the greatest learning curve that you can get.”
