Big Bash side fined after illegal signings

South Australia Cricket Association have been slapped on the wrist by Cricket Australia and fined AU$50,000 for signing up three players for the Adelaide Strikers outside the Big Bash League transfer period.

South Australia Cricket Association have been slapped on the wrist by Cricket Australia and fined AU$50,000 for signing up three players for the Adelaide Strikers outside the Big Bash League transfer period.

The embargo for signings ran from 7 February to 19 May, and in that time the Strikers High Performance manager Jamie Cox entered into negotiations with Brad Hodge, Kieron Pollard and Jono Dean. Cox has since been sacked.

CA then started an investigation into the dealings, which had seen Canberra batsman Dean announce his signing last month, while West Indies batsman Pollard was though to be returning to the Strikers.

CA's Integrity manager Iain Roy, said: "SACA has been found to have breached the BBL Player Contracting and Remuneration Guidelines.

"We view contraventions of our competition rules seriously and the penalties handed down reflect this.

"Cricket Australia is committed to ensuring the contracting rules for all of CA's competitions are adhered to at all times.

"We acknowledge SACA's co-operation during the course of the Unit's investigation."

SACA responded in the positive, saying they were still on track to signed the players in question, despite the fine.

SACA Chief Executive, Keith Bradshaw said: "Cricket Australia's findings do not impact our current negotiations with the relevant players and we hope to be able announce the outcomes of those negotiations very soon."

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