English may be out of Scotland campaign

Cedric English, Scotland's allrounder, may have to miss the ECC European Championship in Holland later this month as he is not allowed to travel within three months of the expiration date of his passport, which is September 8. English travels on a South African passport, but qualifies for the Scotland team through residency.

"I should have realised that my situation effectively amounts to holding a nine-year, nine-month passport rather than the standard ten years, since I have to re-apply well in advance of the usual renewal date and travel everywhere on £50 visas," English told The Scotsman newspaper.

"In this instance my visa won't be issued because of the close proximity to the expiry of my passport - unless the authorities in Holland give me special dispensation," he explained. "I'm upset because it means so much to Scotland to improve our ranking and I want to help Scotland, not move from the country.

"The matter, which is based on wanting to keep a South African passport to make it easier to visit my family, is being pursued by Scottish Cricket, and hopefully the Netherlands Ministry of Sport can play a positive role."

English hit an unbeaten half-century in the Scottish Saltires' only National League victory - a six-wicket win over Durham at Edinburgh. He also scored 65, his highest score for Scotland in an international, in the drawn Intercontinental Cup game against Holland at Aberdeen last month. As a consistent performer in Scotland's middle order, he might have played a pivotal role at the European Championship, which is a vital stepping-stone on Scotland's path to full one-day international status.

Euan McIntyre, a Scottish cricket administrator, told the newspaper that "all diplomatic channels were being explored" in an effort to make sure English travels to the championship. "The worry is that if Cedric attempts to get into Holland and is refused entry then it might represent a black mark against him," McIntyre said. "Everything possible is being done to ensure he gets a letter of approval from the Dutch which would satisfy their immigration department."