The 2021-22 Big Bash League will utilise a pool of replacement players who will be allowed to play for multiple clubs in an effort to finish the season in the face of COVID.
The global pandemic has ripped through the competition as cases around the country continue to escalate following the end of lockdown and opening of borders.
Case numbers are high in most states around the country, and seven out of the eight Big Bash clubs have now been impacted by coronavirus.
Cricket Australia have clamped down on players with a slew of restrictions being added to daily life, while all clubs have been moved into a central Melbourne hub, although games will continue to be played around the country.
A handful of matches were forced to be postponed after outbreaks caused chaos, while many other clubs have played understrength.
Cricket Australia, in attempting to keep the season running, have named a player replacement pool of nine players from various clubs, with none of the players gaining much in the way of playing time during the season to date.
All nine players will be eligible to play for any club who can't name a team from their current squad due to COVID, while Cricket Australia have also flagged the potential for more players to be added to the pool in the coming days, with the tournament's regular season still having a fortnight to run.
General manager of the Big Bash League Alistair Dobson said it was about providing clubs with increased flexibility.
"The player pool provides clubs with increased options should injury, illness or other circumstances affect availability of players, while also streamlining the process of integrating LRPs into the group from a biosecurity perspective," he said.
Big Bash replacement player pool
Nicholas Bertus (Sydney Sixers), Jake Carder (Perth Scorchers), Iain Carlisle (Hobart Hurricanes), Daniel Drew (Adelaide Strikers), Jake Doran (Melbourne Stars), Lachlan Hearne (Sydney Thunder), Lachlan Pfeffer (Brisbane Heat – currently in the 18-player squad), Brayden Stepien (Melbourne Renegades)
