Wessels is the son of former Northants coach Kepler

Northants chief executive Mark Tagg has revealed that two of the county's best players may not be allowed to play for the club next season.

South African duo Riki Wessels and Johan van der Wath have problems with their working visas and may be stopped from returning to the country.

"Johan and Riki are going to have trouble getting in this year," Tagg told BBC Radio Northampton.

"But we are getting some good advice and we're hoping for the best."

Tagg added: "The problem is the (visa) regulations have changed. Some days the lawyers are very optimistic, other days they're not quite so optimistic."

Van der Wath is Northants' lead bowler, taking 50 wickets in the Championship last season and averaging 25 with the bat.

"In 2006 he was playing for South Africa 'A' and so he didn't need to apply for a work permit," Tagg said.

If we do have to make changes, and hopefully we won't, then we need to be in a position to scout players now Mark Tagg

"So it seems a bit odd that a player who probably or almost certainly would have achieved one - because he didn't need one - is being penalised."

Meanwhile Wessels is a key wicketkeeper with a batting average of 35 last season.

"Riki had a student working visa in 2006 and 2007 which was perfectly legal at the time and allowed him to get into the country and play cricket," said Tagg.

"But what they are now saying, retrospectively in my belief, is that now that isn't good enough and he should have got a different visa.

"What you would want to know is one way or another what's going to happen because if we do have to make changes, and hopefully we won't, then we need to be in a position to scout players now," added Tagg.

"The sooner we get a resolution the better. They are very important to us."

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