Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond has been cleared to play for Hampshire, despite his links with the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL).
Bond, 32, is among a number of overseas players involved in the league to have had their applications accepted by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
The ECB also approved New Zealander Hamish Marshall to play, but rejected four former Test players.
The Twenty20 ICL is not recognised by the International Cricket Council.
The ECB had warned that any player who had taken part in the unauthorised ICL, a rival to the official Indian Premier League, and played domestic cricket in their home countries in the past 12 months would be unlikely to be play in England this summer.
Because the ICL is an unsanctioned tournament, each player must receive a "no-objection certificate" (NOC) from their national boards before the ECB can consider their involvement in English county cricket.
New Zealand bowler Bond, who effectively called time on his international career by signing for the ICL, was given the go-ahead to appear for Hampshire following the ECB meeting.
"The road has been turbulent, but I'm really glad to have received my registration," said the 32-year-old.
Applications rejected by ECB
Batsman Marshall, another former international, is now free to play for Gloucestershire after having his first application rejected.
Marshall, who holds an Irish passport, had initially been refused permission because he last appeared for New Zealand on 8 April, 2007 - eight days after the ECB's 1 April cut-off point.
The ECB had stated: "A cricketer who has played in an unauthorised event in the 12 months leading up to 1 April in any given year will not qualify for registration."
But it appears to have used its discretion in Marshall's case.
"I am extremely pleased that my registration has been approved by the ECB," said the 29-year-old batsman.
Kent, meanwhile, plan to re-appeal against the ECB's decision to turn down South Africa all-rounder Justin Kemp's application.
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"It's both surprising and disappointing for both the club and Justin," said Kent chief executive Paul Millman.
"He remains totally committed to a long-term career with Kent and we are determined to make it clear to the ECB that English county cricket is his priority."
Kent claim the ECB indicated an appeal hearing could be convened in the near future, given the proximity to the start of the 2008 domestic season.
And Millman said Kemp was expected to travel to the UK to present his case in person.
The ECB also declined the registration applications of West Indian Wavell Hinds and South Africa pair Johannes van der Wath and Andrew Hall.
Hinds had been scheduled to play for Derbyshire, while Northamptonshire had been hoping to play Van der Wath and Hall for the forthcoming season.
All four players who had their applications blocked took part in the rebel ICL, which is not recognised by the cricketing authorities worldwide.
A lawyer representing the ICL, Jeremy Roberts, told the BBC that the four players had not been given a reason for being refused.
He added that the quartet would appeal to the ECB and if their appeals were unsuccessful then court action was inevitable.
The trio have 14 days to appeal against the ECB's decision.
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