Graeme van Buuren granted British citizenship after year in limbo

Graeme van Buuren has become a British citizen, meaning he is eligible to play for Gloucestershire as a local player again from the start of the 2022 season onwards.

Born in Pretoria, van Buuren joined Gloucestershire in 2016 and played for the club as a local player through his wife's British passport. Changes in registration status brought about by the UK's exit from the European Union meant that van Buuren had to apply for indefinite leave to remain as a pathway to British citizenship, but paperwork delays brought about by the backlog created by Covid-19 left him as an overseas player last season.

Gloucestershire had already agreed contracts with other overseas players, meaning van Buuren was limited to six County Championship appearances, four in the Blast and eight in the Royal London Cup last summer, with two permitted in the playing XI in each competition. He has now been granted his citizenship, meaning that he will be able to resume his career as a local player next season.

"It's been challenging on and off the field but there's always a light at the end of the tunnel and I'm just fortunate still to be with the club and be where I am," van Buuren told the club's social media channels. "From November 26, 2021, I'm a local, a British citizen now. That means I'll be able to play for Gloucestershire as a local player going forwards, so no more heartache and pain.

"It's a massive weight off the shoulders, not just for me but for my family. I can't wait for the new season to come and to contribute towards the team."