WBBL: Sydney Sixers fined USD 25,000 by CA for naming player outside its squad

Melbourne: Cricket Australia on Sunday fined the Women’s Big Bash League franchise Sydney Sixers USD 25,000 for breaching tournament regulations by erroneously naming a player on the team sheet despite not being part of the primary squad of 15.

The Sydney Sixers had named fast bowler Hayley Silver-Holmes in their playing XI for the match against the Melbourne Renegades on Saturday night. She had recently recovered from a foot injury but her return had not yet been approved by the WBBL’s technical committee.

Without the approval, Silver-Holmes was technically ineligible for selection. She was named in the XI but didn’t get to bat as the Sixers finished with 166/4 in their 20 overs.

Sixers got to know of the apparent breach of rules only after the game had started and as a result, Silver-Holmes didn’t step on to the field in the game’s second innings. This left the Sixers a bowler short as the Renegades overhauled the target in the final over.

The Sixers reported the error but were still handed the hefty fine, of which USD 15,000 was suspended for 12 months.

In a statement released on Sunday, CA’s Head of Integrity and Security Sean Carroll said: “Cricket Australia places a significant emphasis on the integrity of all competitions, including the compliance with its player contracting rules and regulations.

“This breach by the Sydney Sixers, while serious in nature, had a reduced impact due to the club’s actions during last night’s game. As such, we support the findings of Alan Sullivan QC, including the suspension of 15,000 dollar of the 25,000 dollar fine imposed,” he added.

Cricket Australia had earlier investigated the “administration error” committed by the Sixers.

“The WBBL is aware of an administrative error pertaining to player selection in the Sydney Sixers-Melbourne Renegades match on Saturday,” the CA said.

“The Sixers self-reported an issue relating to Hayley Silver-Holmes’ paperwork shortly after the Sixers-Renegades game had commenced.

“Silver-Holmes did not bat nor take the field for the Renegades’ run-chase,” he added. (UNI)