Billingshurst's long-term overseas Mitipolarachchi denied visa

The Sri Lankan all-rounder, who has been at the club for the past four seasons, has had his visa refused.

The 28-year-old right-handed top-order batsman and spin bowler has become a mainstay in the side since coming to the club for the first time in 2012.

Mitipolarachchi said: “It is with great disappointment that I won’t be able to play for Billingshurst for this season as my visa application was rejected.

“I hope this is not the end of my Billingshurst career and hope to get back to the club next year if possible.

“Thanks to all the club for their support and for waiting for me to hear about my visa. I am sorry I can’t be thee this year.”

Billingshurst captain Stuart Barber said: “It’s so frustrating, we tried so hard, but it just did not work out. We are pursuing another option, but it hasn’t been confirmed just yet.

“We challenged the reason they gave, but they came back with another reason and it just seems something they are clamping down on at the moment.

“He has been the foundation of our team and everyone plays around him, it’s a shame we have lost him, but hopefully we can get a replacement of near quality.”

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make this website your homepage

2 Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Sport-Sussex

3 Follow us on Twitter @SportSussex

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!