Ian Harvey faces uncertain future
Ian Harvey's career at Derbyshire appears to be over after the home office refused his application for British citizenship
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Harvey was informed that his initial application would have been approved but for a drink-driving conviction earlier this year. He had made the county aware of the incident immediately when it occurred earlier this year and the matter was dealt with internally. He pleased guilty in court in April and was banned from driving for nine months.
The ECB ruled that Harvey could continue playing as a non-overseas cricketer until he received a decision. Despite pressure from the county and other players, the home office have now declined his application.
"This is obviously a very bitter blow to myself and my family," Harvey said. "I feel I have been punished many times over for one offence. I fully accepted I had made a mistake, pleaded guilty and was dealt with by the court. In addition to that I have been punished by the home office in refusing my citizenship and the ECB for not exercising their discretion when they have the power to do so.
"This could effectively mean the premature end of my playing career which is a bitter pill to swallow."
"This is devastating news for Ian and his family and seems a punishment completely disproportionate to the offence," Tom Sears, Derbyshire's chief executive, said. "Throughout this matter Ian has conducted himself with honesty and integrity and there seems little justice in this verdict.
"This is not just about Derbyshire wanting to field an outstanding cricketer who has given so much to the game for many years. This is about a man with a young family being denied a right to earn his living despite having full residential and employment rights in this country. He is allowed to perform almost any other job in this country but not play first class cricket ... that doesn't seem right.
"As it is Ian will remain with us for the rest of this season then we will sit down and discuss potential options for the future."
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