Visa troubles blight Afghanistan and Sierra Leone

Afghanistan and Sierra Leone have failed to secure visas for their players for the forthcoming Under-19 World Cup Qualifiers in Canada. With the tournament getting underway on September 1, there is increasing likelihood that both teams will miss their opening matches to blight their chances of qualification for the 2010 Under-19 World Cup.

Cricinfo understands that Sierra Leone's applications were made to the wrong office of Canada's governmental immigration department. The new applications are now being processed, but there is still a race against time to have them ready in time for the opening round of matches.

"All stakeholders, including the ICC itself, continue to do whatever they can to have these visas issued as soon as possible," read a statement by the ICC, "but it is clear that either or both of these teams may now not arrive in time for their first match.

"If either team does not arrive for its match in round one (Tuesday 1 September), round two (Wednesday 2 September) or round three (Friday 4 September), that match or matches will be treated as 'abandoned' under the playing conditions and therefore re-scheduled to be played on the relevant reserve day of the event (taking into account any other abandoned matches that may occur through rain or other reasons)."

Should either team be absent or unavailable to play on the reserve day, the match will be forfeited. And if either side fails to be present for the fourth round of matches, starting on Saturday September 5, their participation in the tournament will be withdrawn.

"All boards are aware of their obligations in securing visas for their traveling parties to events and while the ICC assists in every way within our powers, ultimately the boards are responsible for this process in conjunction with the government or embassy of the host nation," said David Thorley, tournament director and chairman of the event technical committee.

"However, ultimately the main aim of this tournament is to make sure the best six cricket teams qualify for the ICC Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand and we are content this decision allows that to happen while not inconveniencing the other sides unduly."