Stranded Foxcroft being paid
DEAN Foxcroft is going to be late for work but will continue to get paid.
The Otagocontracted player is stuck in the Republic. He returned to his native South Africa at the end of the season to take exams and visit family and friends.
He had planned on staying six weeks but has been unable to return because of the Covid19 pandemic.
New Zealand has tough border restrictions in place and, unless Foxcroft, who has declared his intention to qualify for New Zealand, is granted an exemption, the 22yearold will not be able to clock in at work anytime soon.
The contracting period began on September 1.
New Zealand Cricket Players Association player services manager and legal counsel Henry Moore said Foxcroft was in a tough position but would continued to be supported.
‘‘It is a really challenging time for anyone who is not a citizen or a permanent resident who is currently overseas,’’
Moore said.
‘‘He is basically just waiting in the queue like everyone else who has a visa to work in New Zealand.
‘‘It is an incredibly frustrating time for him and challenging for everyone here to get him home in time for the domestic season.’’
Moore said as long as Foxcroft was preparing to play then he was meeting his obligation under the contract and was entitled to receive his full wage.
However, if he could not make it back in time for the beginning of the season or at all this summer then Moore was not sure what would happen.
‘‘It is a really good question and one we are grappling with. Obviously there is no precedent here.
‘‘Our priority is to try and get him back . . . but if we get into a situation where the season has begun and Dean is unable to get back then we’ll have to figure out what is the best approach for everyone involved.
‘‘Hopefully, we don’t have to have that discussion in and around his contract.’’
It could become an issue of fairness, though. Essentially Otago would only access to 15 of its 16 contracted players.
White Ferns spinner Leigh Kasperek has also been unable to return but there were no other players affected, Moore said.