Banned Bancroft cleared to play for WA grade cricket

Tainted Australian cricketer Cameron Bancroft, who is currently serving his suspension for his involvement in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, has been given the go-ahead to feature in Premier Cricket in Western Australia.

The 25-year-old opener was handed a nine-month suspension by Cricket Australia after he was found to tamper with the ball during the third Test of the four-match series against South Africa in March this year.

Besides Bancroft, former skipper Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner were given one-year ban each from both domestic and international cricket for their involvement in the scandal that sent shock waves through the cricket world.

While Smith and Warner can continue to play for New South Wales even as they serve their suspensions, any Cricket Australia ban is automatically extended to club ranks under Western Australia Premier Cricket rules.

However, Bancroft was given special dispensation to play for his club side Willetton following an extraordinary meeting of the 16 WA Premier Cricket clubs to discuss the matter.

Confirming the news, Western Australia Cricket Association chief executive Christina Matthews said, "I'm pleased to announce the Western Australia District Cricket Council 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 Western Australia District Cricket Council (WADCC) on their decision," cricket.com.au quoted Bancroft as saying.

Bancroft, who was earlier retained by WA on the state contract list, will now be able to play for his club up to three months before Cricket Australia ban ends in late December.