Cameron Bancroft and WACA chief executive officer Christina Matthews.
Camera IconCameron Bancroft and WACA chief executive officer Christina Matthews. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Cameron Bancroft unable to play in Perth unless WACA change rules

Bryce LuffEastern Reporter

WA District Cricket rules could be changed to allow Cameron Bancroft to play Premier Cricket while serving his ban for ball tampering, WACA chief executive Christina Matthews has revealed.

Cricket Australia (CA) handed Bancroft a nine-month suspension from international and domestic cricket for his role in the scandal in South Africa over the weekend.

But the governing body has permitted, and even encouraged, Bancroft to play club cricket, with his with Premier Cricket side Willetton revealing earlier this week it would support the fallen batsman.

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The sticking point, according to Ms Matthews, is that rules would have to change to allow it to happen.

“We’ll work through that,” Ms Matthews said.

“At the moment our rules don’t allow him to play for Willetton.

“But we’ll work with the District Cricket Council, our own board and CA to determine whether we will talk to the clubs as a rule moving forward.

“That’s something we have to work through.”

When asked if the rule would be changed to allow Bancroft to play, Ms Matthews said: “We’re open to changing the rule, Yes.”

Earlier this week Willetton District Cricket Club president Ron Kukura said Bancroft had the backing of the Premier Cricket club.

“(The club) will support Cam and his family. That’s all we can say at this stage,” he said Monday.

Cameras caught Bancroft trying to alter the condition of the ball during day three of the Cape Town Test.

Senior players hatched the plan during the lunch break, with Bancroft – playing just his eighth match – tasked with carrying it out.

Australian captain Steve Smith was handed a 12-month suspension from international and domestic cricket, as was vice captain Dave Warner.

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