BBL 2021-22: Perth Scorchers Docked One Point For Fielding An Ineligible Player

Big Bash League franchise Perth Scorchers were found guilty of breaching BBL Player Contracting and Remuneration Rules (Rules) at a Cricket Australia Code of Conduct Commission hearing.

The Ashton Turner-led side fielded Central Local Replacement Player Brayden Stepien during their match against Adelaide Strikers on January 14 at the Adelaide Oval.

BBL 2021-22: The decision to field Brayden Stepien was a breach of the Rules

Stepien kept wickets for 14 overs while Scorchers were fielding in the second innings, the player was not part of the franchise’s 18-member squad.

“At the hearing, Commissioner Alan Sullivan QC heard evidence from representatives of both Clubs and Cricket Australia. He determined that Stepien was an ineligible player for the match and as such, the decision to field Stepien was a breach of the Rules,” said an official statement.

The Commissioner decided that the penalty for the Scorchers would be their Bash Boost point earned on the night would be deducted.

He also noted the unique and challenging circumstances of the current Big Bash League season and the low impact of this breach.

Perth Scorchers lost to Adelaide Strikers but still tops the points table

The verdict that went against Perth Scorchers was like rubbing salt on their wounds as they lost that match by six wickets.

Scorchers could make just 127/9 with Laurie Evans (39) and skipper Turner (28) providing some runs to avoid a low score.

Scorchers batting order stumbled once the duo returned to the dugout as the team could just add 47 runs in the last 10 overs at the expense of six wickets.

Strikers chased the target in 17 overs as England’s Ian Cockbain remained unbeaten on 35 with openers Matthew Short (34) and Henry Hunt (27) putting up a 52-run stand.

Perth Scorchers have topped the charts with 40 points in BBL 2021-22 while Adelaide Strikers have secured the fourth spot with 28 points.

The BBL knockout stage will start on January 21 with the Eliminator game and the final will be played on January 28.

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