No deals on first day of Australian Big Bash trade period

The first day of trade for the Big Bash cricket league in Australia finished with no deals done, as for the first time this year, CA has allowed clubs to exchange contracted players.

According to The Age, affected players must agree to move teams, although their contract terms are protected and this could involve a player's former team paying part of their wage until their existing contract expires.

One hindrance to this year's period is that it precedes the announcement of the initial Test squad of the summer, meaning teams have less clarity on the players they will, or are likely to, lose to the national team, the report said.

Melbourne Stars chairman of selectors Ian Chappell said he went into the negotiations with little expectation of players moving teams.

Perth chief Ben Oliver praised the introduction of the trade period, because of the potential for teams to minimise the repercussions of injuries and international call-ups, but was similarly pessimistic there would be a flurry of moves, the report added.

Top representatives from all eight Big Bash League teams were flown to Melbourne on Monday for a merry-go-round of meetings at the MCG to start the period, the report further said.

Subsequent negotiations will be conducted remotely, until the deadline of next Monday, according to the report.