Cameron Bancroft allowed to play grade cricket before completion of ban

Cameron Bancroft allowed to play grade cricket before completion of ban

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Cameron Bancroft, who was banned in the ball tampering scandal, has been given permission to play grade cricket by Western Australia District Cricket Council three months before the completion of his ban. Bancroft will make his return to cricket with his club Willenton from the start of the season.

Cameron Bancroft, who was one of three Australians banned in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, was banned for a period nine months by Cricket Australia, while his partners Steve Smith and David Warner were banned for 12 months each. Subsequently, Bancroft had to part ways with his English county club Somerset, where he was set to play this summer. 

While Steve Smith and David Warner were allowed to play cricket in their natives New South Wales, Bancroft had to get permission from Western Australian Cricket Council to do so. 

The Western Australian District Cricket Council, in a meeting on May 14, decided to make an exception for Bancroft under the state rules and gave him permission to play grade cricket from the start of the 2018-19 season. Bancroft would be featuring for Willenton almost three months before his ban period is completed.  

Christina Matthews, the WACA chief executive, told Cricket Australia’s website, “I’m pleased to announce the Western Australia District Cricket Council tonight approved Willetton’s application for an exemption to the rule that prevented Cameron from playing Premier Cricket this season.

“It was strongly debated across a number of areas, but ultimately approved. It’s great news for Cameron, and I’d like to congratulate the WADCC on their decision.”

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