Glamorgan opener Asa Tribe has been prevented from joining the England Lions tour of the Caribbean after travelling to Kenya, where an Ebola outbreak has prompted St Kitts and Nevis to impose strict entry restrictions on recent visitors to affected regions. According to The Guardian, the 22-year-old Jersey representative played three List A matches in Nairobi last month before attempting to join the Lions squad in the Caribbean, but was turned back at a connecting point in Paris after discovering the entry ban.
Tribe, who remains eligible to represent Jersey until earning a senior England cap, had completed his final match in Kenya on 27 October and was travelling via connecting flights when the restriction became apparent. An England and Wales Cricket Board spokesperson confirmed the situation:
Asa Tribe was unable to enter Saint Kitts & Nevis, having recently travelled to Kenya. Saint Kitts & Nevis currently have a 21-day non-entry rule in place for non-nationals who have been in Kenya due to the Ebola situation in Kenya and seven other countries in Africa. Asa is back in the UK, and we are in touch with the relevant authorities.
The government advisory issued by St Kitts and Nevis names six high-risk countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Kenya and Burundi, and applies to non-national passengers transiting through them. Kenya announced its first Ebola cases in early October, with nine confirmed infections including two deaths, prompting the Caribbean nation to implement its protective measures the following month.
Why is Tribe unable to join the tour?
The entry restrictions imposed by St Kitts and Nevis prevent non-nationals who have recently visited Kenya or other designated African countries from entering for 21 days. Tribe's visit to Kenya for Jersey's List A matches placed him directly under this ban, making his travel to the tour location impossible without an exemption.
What has happened to the England Lions so far?
In Tribe's absence, England Lions began their T20 series on Sunday with a victory. Thomas Rew, captaining at just 18 years old, struck an unbeaten 50 as England's second string successfully chased a target of 99 in 10.1 overs. Tribe had been selected for both the T20 and 50-over squads, but his absence means the squad must proceed without him.
Can Tribe still join the tour?
Tribe appears unlikely to make a late appearance on tour without a formal waiver from St Kitts and Nevis authorities. With four T20 matches and three 50-over contests remaining, all scheduled to take place in St Kitts and the final match set for 16 November, the window for his participation is rapidly closing. The ECB has indicated it is in contact with the relevant authorities regarding a potential resolution, but no confirmation of an exemption has been announced.
What happens next?
The second T20 match against West Indies A is scheduled for 3 November at Conaree Sports Club, with the series due to conclude on 16 November. England Lions will continue their tour without Tribe unless a waiver is granted before the final match, allowing him to rejoin the squad for the remaining fixtures.
