Sydney Sixers have been left "a little bewildered" that they have been unable to secure permission for Erin Burns to join their squad in either Adelaide or Mackay which means she will miss the entire WBBL unless Sixers are able to host home finals.
Burns, who has been capped six times by Australia, had made herself unavailable for the start of the competition in Hobart to be able to spend time at home following her stint at the Hundred which had required two weeks quarantine on return.
It had been hoped that she could join the team in Launceston and when that wasn't an option the club attempted to secure other routes but nothing has worked.
"We tried all that we could, but it was to no avail," Cricket NSW's interim head of female cricket, Clare Crewdson, said. "We are disappointed for Erin and her team-mates and a little bewildered as to why we were unable to achieve what other sports have, by moving players and families across borders to fulfil their jobs.
"But at the end of the day we respect the decisions and processes implemented by State Governments and feel for those people locked out of states that are unable to see family and friends."
Although New South Wales and Victoria have started to open to each other as vaccination rates rise, there remain significant border restrictions to other states which are expected to last until December for most areas.
Sixers have said that if they are able to host a final at home - Cricket Australia has left the option open should restrictions allow in late November - that Burns could rejoin the squad.
"I'm gutted I can't join the Sixers because WBBL is always such a highlight of the season and so not to be able to pull on the magenta with the girls is devastating," she said. "I have so much confidence in this group to do a great job and I will be following closely."
Sixers are currently sixth in the table with two wins from their first five matches.