Klinger first victim of UK visa restrictions
The British Government has refused to issue a working visa to South Australian batsman Michael Klinger.
The 28-yr-old Melbourne batsman who plays for the South Australian Redbacks had two English County sides vying for his services during the northern summer months, but new UK visa conditions which impose restrictions on all senior cricketers who have not played for Australia have precluded him from playing County cricket.
Klinger has hopes of making the Test side which will compete for the Ashes in England this summer, but failing that, there is also a strong chance he will make the Australian “A” side playing a series of matches against Pakistan in Northern Queensland in July. In the meantime, Klinger remains committed to playing for Australia in the 18th Maccabiah Games in July if he is available.
Klinger told J-Wire he was expecting the disappointment of not being able to get the visa as authorities had made him aware of the problem some time ago. He said: “I am hoping to gain the qualification by being selected to play representative cricket for Australia.”
Cricketers holding UK or European Union travel documents are not affected by the new ban.