Jofra Archer available for England selection from 2019 following ECB rule change

The 23-year-old has been playing for Sussex since 2015 and has become one of the star attractions for several T20 leagues around the world

Jofra Archer may find a place in the English squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019 following the amendments made by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in the selection procedure. The ECB has allowed the players who have not been born in the United Kingdom but have lived for three years to be part of the England team.

Earlier, a player needed to reside for 7 years in the UK to be eligible for selection in the national squad. But the ECB changed the rule on Wednesday at in a board meeting at Lord’s. These amendments will come into force on 1 January 2019 which means, Archer could make his England debut when the team travels to West Indies.

The new eligibility rules for players in England are as follows:

1. British Citizenship.

2. Either born in England/Wales, or 3 years residence (a total of 210 days/year April-March).

3. Not played as a local player in professional international or domestic cricket in a Full Member country within the last 3 years.

The 23-year-old has been playing for Sussex since 2015. He has become one of the star attractions for several T20 leagues around the world. In the IPL 2018, the Rajasthan Royals bagged him for Rs 7.2 crore and currently, he is playing the UAE T10 League in Sharjah.

“Qualifying for England has long been an aim of Jofra's and Sussex Cricket is delighted for him that this ambition will now be realised sooner than previously envisaged,” said Sussex spokesperson.