Cricket Australia denies any part in fast bowler being deported from UK
CRICKET: Cricket Australia have denied having anything to do with Test bowler Mitchell Starc being thrown out of Britain, as the paceman attempted to play down the visa problems that saw him deported.
Thursday 17 May 2012, 03:46PM
The left-armer was due to leave London Tuesday evening with his English side Yorkshire, coached by former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie, blaming either Cricket Australia or Starc’s agent for problems with his paperwork.
The 22-year-old arrived at Heathrow Airport at the weekend and was initially cleared to remain, but will not now make his Yorkshire debut against Gloucestershire on Wednesday.
Cricket Australia said the issue had nothing to do with them.
“Mitchell is on annual leave and decided to organise a short-term contract with Yorkshire. It has absolutely nothing to do with us,” a spokesman said.
“We have sent plenty of people to England and know all the requirements. Saying that, we have made it clear that if Mitchell needs our help, we are happy to do that.”
While Cricket Australia have been blamed by some, Yorkshire chairman Colin Graves has also fingered Starc’s agent for the “fiasco”, according to the Guardian newspaper.
Starc was keen to play down the embarrassment as he prepared to fly out of Britain.
“Well round the world here we go... Off to aus now,” he tweeted, apparently from Heathrow.
“Just to be clear guys, not cricket aus or Yorks fault. No one to blame, was some miscommunication from Australia.
“Common sense isn’t so common these days!” he added.
Starc was due to begin an initial five-week deal with Yorkshire to help offset the departure of English seamer Ajmal Shahzad, who joined county champions Lancashire on loan this week.
Yorkshire coach Gillespie said it was a pity Starc would miss the Gloucestershire clash, but said he would be back, hopefully in time to face Hampshire next week.
“So everyone is clear, the paperwork for Mitchell’s visa was incomplete from Australia,” he tweeted.
“It will get done and Mitchell will be back before we know it. Rules are rules and we will all crack on and get the job done,” Gillespie added.
