BBL 2020-21: Chris Lynn and Dan Lawrence fined after breaching the biosecure protocols

A controversy erupted in the 2020 edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) as the two key players of franchise Brisbane Heat, Chris Lynn and Daniel Lawrence were found guilty of breaching the biosecure bubble protocols. Though the number of coronavirus cases is considerably low in Australia, the authorities are taking proper precautions to ensure the safety of the players and other people involved.

Thus, the team Brisbane Heat and the players Lynn and Lawrence were fined $50,000, with $20,000 suspended for the remainder of the season. Both the players tested negative for the novel coronavirus after they were sent in for the test by the authorities. However, as a precautionary measure, they have been asked to use a different change room. Also, they are not allowed to sit in the team dugout and are asked to maintain social distancing from the other players on the field.

Cricket Australia takes strict action against Chris Lynn and Lawrence

“Brisbane Heat has been fined $50,000, with $20,000 suspended for the remainder of the KFC BBL|10 season for a breach of sections 1, 3, 4 and 9 of the COVID-19 Directive for State Associations and W/BBL Teams,” a Cricket Australia (CA) release stated.

“Lynn and Lawrence have each been issued a report and notice of charge under section 2.23 of the Cricket Australia Code of Conduct, relating to conduct that either (a) is contrary to the Spirit of Cricket; (b) is unbecoming of a representative or official; (c) is or could be harmful to the interests of cricket; or (d) does or could bring the game of cricket into disrepute. Both players have accepted a $10,000 fine, with $4,000 suspended for the remainder of the BBL|10 seasons,” the release further said.

CA’s Head of Security and Integrity, Sean Carroll also opined on the whole issue stating that it was necessary for the management to impose restrictions and sanction fines to the players breaching the protocols laid out by the health department. Carroll also said COVID-19 hotspots and related impacts on State borders remain a challenge for the league and he requested everyone to adhere to the challenges.