The Perth Scorchers were found guilty of breaking BBL contractual regulations by utilizing an improper central replacement player following their defeat to the Adelaide Strikers on 14th January, but they will still remain top of the rankings as the BBL ensures their finals spots. Here is Why Perth Scorchers Got Penalized.
Why Perth Scorchers Got Penalized?
Following Laurie Evans, who was actually chosen to keep-wicket, suffered a concussion, the Scorchers brought in a substitute player from the newly formed central pool, Brayden Stepien, to keep wicket for 14 overs during the Strikers clash. The Scorchers also were without Josh Inglis, who was in Australia’s Test team, whereas Cameron Bancroft was out owing to COVID.
Commissioner Alan Sullivan QC found at a CA Code of Conduct Commission meeting on Tuesday that Stepien was an ineligible participant for the game, and that the choice to field Stepien was a violation of the rules.
Sullivan concluded that the Scorchers’ penalty would be the removal of their Bash Boost point received on the day, although he acknowledged the unusual and tough situations of the ongoing BBL season, as well as the minor consequence of this breach. Strikers, on the other hand, won’t receive the Boost point.
League’s firm belief is that we must work together: BBL General Manager
Stepien was on reserve as a substitute player for the match, but teams must formally add the replacement player to their team list before the game in favor of him to participate. Stepien, on the other hand, was brought upon to play despite not being on the Scorchers’ lineup.
Furthermore, the Scorchers have asked that their finals be staged at the Marvel Stadium in Docklands, whereas the BBL has agreed that the first 3 finals will be staged in Melbourne to limit the effect of Covid-19. The Eliminator and Knockout will take place at the MCG on 21 & 23 January, accordingly, whereas the Qualifier will take place at Marvel Stadium on 22 January.
“The League’s firm belief is that we must work together with our clubs to do all we can to protect the finals series using the lessons from the season so far,” BBL General Manager Alistair Dobson said.
“As such, we have made the difficult decision to stage the first week of the finals series in Melbourne. This decision provides all participating clubs the best possible chance of participating in a finals match with the strongest squad available.”
The final will be held at the Marvel Stadium if the Scorchers win the Qualifier. The Challenger & Final will be played at the home venue of the side that secures the right to set up, although the Scorchers would be unable to compete in Perth owing to the restriction of Western Australia’s borders.
Also read: BBL 2021-22: Cameron Boyce Creates History With A ‘Double Hat-Trick’
