Lisburn bowled over

Craig Ervine bowling for Lisburn in his first spell with the club.

Lisburn’s new season is set to get underway at Shaws Bridge tomorrow (Saturday) with their opening game against Instonians.

However, preparations were dealt a blow earlier this week when the NCU’s registrations committee turned down Lisburn’s application on Monday on the grounds that the 27-year-old is not eligible to play for Ireland.

Ervine, an Irish passport holder, was due in the country on Thursday but is currently ineligible to take part in Saturday’s Premier League opener.

However, Lisburn Cricket Club Chairman Dean Simpson announced: “The registration has not been approved by the Northern Cricket Union. We have considered this decision and have lodged an appeal, which has to be held within ten days.

“We have asked them to consider an appeal before Saturday,” he added.

Ervine previously played two seasons for Lisburn before making an impact on the Zimbabwean cricket scene, playing for the one day side and then the full test team later last year.

Ervine took part in Zimbabwe’s recent tour of the West Indies, playing in the Test, ODIs and T20 games.

However, he became involved in a contractual dispute with the Zimbabwe board.

In a statement, the NCU said: “The ICC Player Eligibility regulations were considered and it was agreed that Craig Ervine did not meet the criteria to be considered eligible for Ireland.

“It was noted that Craig Ervine had recent and regular experience of Test and ODI cricket with Zimbabwe.

“It was agreed by the registrations committee that the registration of Craig Ervine should not be accepted.”

Ervine is a very gifted left hand batsman who is expected to strengthen the Lisburn batting order in the absence of Greg Thompson who has moved on to Waringstown.