The BCB can today confirm that due to educational commitments Stefan Kelly has had to withdraw from the U19 World Cup squad. The replacement player is expected to be announced shortly.

 

Stefan is currently studying at Oakham School in Leicestershire, England and will be sitting important A level examinations later this year. The outcome of these examinations has a crucial bearing on his ability to garner a place at one of England's top University Centre's of Cricket Excellence (UCCE). Currently Stefan has Durham University and Loughborough University in his sights; both institutions require strong grades for admission and are consistently ranked in the top universities in England.

 

The decision to withdraw from the World Cup was not taken lightly. Extensive consultation was made with Stefan's personal tutor, individual subject tutors, the Director of Sport and his cricket coach at Oakham School. A major element of the withdrawal relates specifically to the volume of coursework that would be missed whilst the squad is in Malaysia.

 

Reginald Pearman, President of the BCB, noted "Stefan is an outstanding player and undoubtedly will be missed by the squad. However, the Board has always stressed that the education of our young people can not be jeopardized by cricketing commitments. I am fully satisfied that no stone has been left unturned in the quest to allow Stefan to play in this tournament, nevertheless, the importance of these examinations fully warrant his undivided attention. I recognize that Stefan has already had his studies interrupted when he took a year off last academic year to prepare for the senior Cricket World Cup. I wish him well in his endeavours and look forward to hearing good news later this year regarding his placement at a university of his choice."