Three BBL teams fined for guideline breach

Hobart Hurricanes, Brisbane Heat and Sydney Sixers have been fined for breaching the BBL's guidelines by entering into agreements with players during the competition's Contracting Embargo Period.

Hurricanes were fined AUD 20,000 for their agreements with Ben Dunk and Alex Hales, with "50% suspended for three years in recognition of the club's full cooperation with the Integrity Unit's investigation," Cricket Australia said. Sixers were penalised AUD 10,000 for entering into an agreement with Moises Henriques during the embargo, while Heat was also fined the same amount for a similar offence with a yet-to-be-announced player for the 2014-15 season.

According to the rules, "During the contracting embargo period, BBL teams must not enter into any agreements, including renewals of existing agreements, arrangements or understandings, with any player in relation to or in any way in connection with the BBL." The embargo period in question began on February 7 and ended on May 19.

"While we recognise that in each case these were not flagrant breaches, we remain committed to ensuring clubs fully adhere to the competition's contracting guidelines at all times," CA's Senior Manager - Integrity, Iain Roy, said. "The penalties handed down today reflect the need to uphold the integrity of the league. We acknowledge each club's assistance during the course of our investigations and now consider each matter closed.

CA said that no other investigations were ongoing in connection with the contracting process ahead of the 2014-15 season of the BBL.