English county cricket will likely be without so-called ‘Kolpak’ cricketers from 2021, if the United Kingdom leaves the European Union.

The England and Wales Cricket Board have advised the 18 first-class counties that Kolpak cricketers won’t be allowed to play beyond 2020, if the UK completes a no-deal Brexit later this year.

Yorkshire’s Duanne Olivier, Hampshire’s Kyle Abbott, Essex’s Simon Harmer, Lancashire’s Dane Vilas, Sussex’s David Wiese, Worcestershire’s Wayne Parnell and Surrey’s Morne Morkel are among several South Africans committed to Kolpak contracts.

Olivier ended a promising Test career in early 2019, opting instead to pursue a career with Yorkshire in the County Championship Division One and other limited-overs tournaments. He has since expressed ambition to play for England.

‘It’s not for the money – it’s about where I wanted to go and what I wanted to achieve in my life,’ he told Sky Sports earlier this year.

‘Relocating here is probably best for me and my wife and our future. Cricketing-wise, I feel there are a lot more opportunities over here. I feel like I can improve my cricket.

‘Test cricket is the ultimate format you want to play in – I know I gave that up and I know the consequences around it.

‘I have done pretty well for South Africa and I will always be honoured to have represented them. It is something I will cherish for many years to come.

‘I just felt at this point in time I needed this and I felt I made the right decision. I don’t regret it and I am very happy. If I make a decision I am committed to it 100% and I am not backing down from it.

‘You play cricket to make money, so when you retire you don’t have to work as much, but there is more to it. Starting a new life is exciting for me.

‘I don’t have kids at the moment, but in the future raising them here would be good for them. Coming here also felt like walking into a big family, and for me family is important.’

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