CRICKET supremo David Lloyd is calling on the Lancashire League authorities to re-think their stance on professionals.
Only four clubs started with their paid men on the opening day of the season last week due to new stricter visa laws which are making it harder to come into England - and the cricket clubs are suffering.
Accrington’s Roy Silva will not be here for this weekend due to the red tape and the unsettled situation in Sri Lanka and they have no idea when he will arrive - but every club has to field a professional according to the rules.
Sky commentator Lloyd, 62, who will play for his hometown club Accrington this weekend, has been using his vast list of contacts but is finding it almost impossible to find a pro for this double header weekend with club’s throughout the country in the same situation.
"It is a nightmare. I have been ringing around all week and been pulling in all the contacts I can but I just can’t get anywhere.
"County cricket clubs are suffering as well.
"I am waiting on two getting back to me but apart from that, I don’t know what Accrington will do.
"The league could fine us if we don’t get one but what good will that do? It’s nonsense.
"I could be a pro for the weekend but then would lose my amateur status and wouldn’t be able to play again.
"I have also tried to get one of the England women team involved but their bosses are worried that they have a lot of cricket coming up and some fast bowler could knock their heads off. I have assured them no one is like that in this league!
"It is just chaos and I hope the league will show some commonsense and perhaps give clubs a weekend without a professional."
A league spokesperson said: "The rules state a club must have a professional and I can’t see that changing."
Church are waiting for their New Zealand pro Luke Woodcock while Rishton’s Aussie Aaron Heal arrives this week and Enfield’s Zimbawean Gary Brent is already here.
