Sydney Sixers Women have been fined AUD 25000 for breaching the rules laid down by the Women’s Big Bash League technical committee. Fast bowler Hayley Silver-Holmes was named in the playing XI of the Sixers for the game against Melbourne Renegades despite not being in the squad of fifteen to be announced before the game. Silver-Holmes was supposed to be ruled out of the clash due to an injury that she sustained.
However, she recovered in time for the important clash against the Renegades and the Sydney Sixers wanted to fast-track her back into the team. Although accepting her inclusion in the playing XI was pending by the WBBL technical committee, the Sydney Sixers decided to include her in the playing XI.
Batting first, Sydney Sixers scored 166 runs for the loss of 4 wickets and Holmes did not bat. But as they went into the second innings, the team came to know about the breach of regulations and thus they could not bowl Holmes. This had an adverse effect on the balance of the team as the Sydney Sixers were one bowler short and they ended up losing the game. Cricket Australia’s Senior Conduct Commissioner, Alan Sullivan QC, stated that it was a very serious violation. But also since the club self-reported the violation, the penalty of AUD 50000 was declared to be inappropriate.
Sydney Sixers General Manager apologized for the breach of rules
The Sydney Sixers General Manager Jodie Hawkins understood that an apology was duly required for the breach in rules and regulations that happened from the franchise’s end. She regretted about whatever happened and ensured that whatever process that follows will be respected by the franchise.
“We made a regrettable administrative error for which there are understandably stringent rules. We were given a fair opportunity to present our case in the hearing and accept the findings and sanction. As a club we will learn from this and put processes in place for the future,” Jodie said.
