Perth Scorchers have been docked one Bash point for using Brayden Stepien incorrectly in a Big Bash League (BBL) 2021-22 game against Adelaide Strikers. Stepien was used incorrectly as a central replacement player by the Scorchers. However, the deduction will have no effect on the team's final position.
According to Cricket Australia (CA) Code of Conduct Commission, Perth Scorchers were found guilty by Alan Sullivan, commissioner of the QC. According to his verdict, the player was ineligible to be part of the team as he kept wickets for 14 overs in the encounter against the Strikers. He came on for Laurie Evans, who was injured and had to sit out. The Scorchers also missed Josh Inglis, as he was called to the Australian national team for the recently-concluded Ashes 2021-22.
As the rule book states, a player has to be in the squad list on official terms before being drafted into the team as a substitute. Stepien was not named in the official squad before the start of the match and was therefore ineligible to be part of the team. His involvement has now cost the team a Bash point, for the breach of the rule.
One of the main reasons for the incident is the rising Covid-19 cases which had forced Cameron Bancroft to sit out, as he was contracted the virus. It was also confirmed that the Adelaide Strikers were not awarded the Bash point and will have no impact on their outcome.
In the middle of this saga, the Scorchers management has requested the CA to host their finals at the Marvel Stadium to avoid any further spread of the pandemic and potential postponements.
"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 in reference to the request made by the Scorchers.
"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,” he added.
The playoffs of the BBL will start on Friday (January 21) with the venues yet to be finalised.
